A 100-year-old hardware store has announced new plans to save the business.

Earlier this summer Dockerills in Church Street, Brighton, announced it would bid farewell to shoppers at the end of September.

The news left people heartbroken, with former MP Caroline Lucas saying the shop "is part of the fabric" of the city.

The shop will close for one final time next month after some 109 years on the high street.

But all will not be gone as its owners have now announced a new business model to keep it afloat amid a changing trading climate.

Dockerills Direct will work with trade clients only from its first-floor office in nearby Regent House.

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A statement issued by the family-run business said: "The family has evolved many times over the last 100 years and once again we have to react to a changing climate both economically and in the high street shopping evolution.

"With so many incredible memories and amazing staff and customers over the years, we will have mixed emotions as we celebrate the history while looking forward to a new working environment."

The freehold to the building was purchased by Malcolm Dockerill in the 1970s and is where the business will remain.

It will offer showroom appointments for its locksmithing, ironmongery and general hardware along with fulfilling collection and delivery orders from October 1.

The shop's final day is Friday, September 27, and will close at 5pm.

Read more: Shoreham café to close this month after decade in town

The spokesman for the business added: "Let’s go out with a bang and please pop in to see us and leave a message in our ‘shop memory book’.

"We are hoping to have many of our past staff and historical customers in attendance, and who knows, the sale prices may be closer to the 1970s retail high street."

The business started in Edward Street in 1915 when Walter Dockerill opened his first hardware store.

The store is the last Dockerills standing, though the business has been running since 1915 when Walter Dockerill opened a store in Edward Street.

In the 1970s the Church Street property opened and it has been a Brighton institution since.

Ryan Gayler, who is married to Walter Dockerill’s granddaughter Karen said, after the closure was announced in June: “It has been really tough. We have tried to change so much and we have tried everything.

“We made drastic changes during Covid including the unit next door being sold.”

The shop space will be rented out.

Owners also teased the launch of a new museum based in the historic cellars below the property.