Newtown has lost one of its last links to the mail order world with the closure of the Outlet store at the town's famous Pryce Jones building.
The Royal Welsh Warehouse was built by Pryce Pryce Jones who started the world's first mail-order company in the 19th century.
The building was once home to a major department store as well as a call centre for the Kays
Yesterday, the Outlet, part of the Shop Direct group that includes Littlewoods and Very.com, closed its doors for the last time.
It was part of the closure of seven stores across the UK and the loss of nearly 150 jobs in total.
It is understood around 17 people have lost their jobs in Newtown.
The store was used to sell returned items from its Littlewoods and Very.com businesses.
Last year as company statement said: “We found that selling unsold stock in bulk to third parties is the most efficient way to clear it. Simplifying our approach in this way will allow us to free up money to invest further in our digital future and focus on our core pureplay online business.”
However, the Pryce Jones building still has a number of successful businesses based at it, including Liberty Furnishings, Kutz and Co and Simply the Best.
The building, owned by the Potter Group, will also be home to a new Welsh Government-backed enterprise hub as part of a significant investment.
The Robert Owen Community Bank is also located in the building.
Nicky Gilligan, the owner of Liberty Furnishings, paid tribute to the staff at the Outlet.
"Our thoughts go out to the staff, some of them very long serving, and we wish them all the best for their future," she said.
"We feel blessed to be located in such an important and beautiful building and hope you think we do it justice.
"Whilst we will miss the Outlet, we cannot ignore the very positive activity which is happening for the iconic building right now."
Photo: The Royal Welsh Warehouse (©Owain Betts)