Thirty-three years of lighting up people’s lives is finally coming to an end for a Cumbrian institution.

Limelighting, based in the auditorium of a theatre in Cockermouth, is switching out the lights for the last time in the face of competition from on-line retailers, and the change in styles of lighting for the modern home.

Founded by Sue Hannah and husband, Steve, in 1986, the popular shop has supplied many homes with their illuminating needs, over the years, but will finally close their doors once they have sold the majority of their stock.

Sue says: “Everything must go, so we have discounted all our stock by 40 per cent. We have been very busy since the beginning of the month when we announced the closure. There’s still plenty of stock, so if customers want a real bargain of quality light fittings, shades and bulbs, the sooner they come in, the more choice they’ll have,”

The sale is in-store only, not through the Limelighting website.

Sue will take this opportunity to join Steve – previously an electrical contractor - in retirement, and is looking forward to spending more time with their grandchildren.

She said: “Although I do have some reservations, I am looking forward to retiring. Once we made the decision to wind down the business, we just got on with it.

“We’ve had a fantastic time for the last 29 years, but the hit we’ve taken from internet shopping has had a profound effect on the business.

“Along with my staff I have really enjoyed looking after customers and selling good-quality lighting items. We didn’t just sell things to customers - with all our years of experience, we were able to advise them as well.”

Sue and her staff will still be on hand to advise customers who call in looking for a bargain. It may be much reduced in price, but the stock is still high-quality – as is the service.

www.limelighting.co.uk

Limelighting, Grand Theatre, Station Road, Cockermouth CA13 9PZ

Telephone: 01900 822480