A once familiar name on Kent’s high streets is to close its longest-serving store after 70 years – citing lower footfall due to changing shopping habits and the closure of nearby banks.

Whites of Kent Ltd – which specialises in anything cloth-related, from carpets to lingerie – has confirmed it is set to part with its Faversham branch and head office later this year.

Believed to currently be the town’s oldest trader, the firm will bring the shutters down on the Court Street store for the last time on August 31 after seeing its custom decline in recent times.

Maria O’Mahoney, who is part of the current management team alongside her siblings, told KentOnline: “Retail on the high street has changed considerably during this time and unfortunately trade has declined significantly.

“We think the closure of the banks around us has led to a lower footfall in the town and many people shop differently now, with online shopping a part of our next-generation culture.

“Also, there comes a time when you have to think about retiring gracefully, when a lifetime of retail comes to a natural end – a conclusion to a long-standing family business that has run its natural course.”

The business opened its first store in Faversham in 1954, with an original base in Market Street before later moving to bigger premises in Court Street.

Before this, Whites opened up a stocking repair factory in one of the gunpowder mills’ warehouses in Oare, employing 15 to 20 women before later moving to Preston Street.

Once a staple of various town centres, Whites of Kent has had stores in Sandwich, Sittingbourne, Herne Bay, West Malling, Folkestone and Cliftonville.

After August, the only remaining Whites will be in Whitstable – a store that found itself in the limelight earlier this year after falling victim to a rogue van driver who ploughed through the shopfront window.

The third generation of the White family, which includes Maria and her brother Nigel, started working for the firm in 1979.

Maria said: “We believe Faversham is a great town with a wonderful feel of history and culture; you just have to look up as you walk around to see beautiful buildings, historical plaques and a sense of community and pride.

“This will be a very sad time for us as a family but also for the town.

“We’d like to say a huge thank you to all of our customers who have shopped with us over the years and also our wonderful staff past and present who have served our Faversham community all these years. We’ll miss you all.”