A LONG-established gents outfitters which is quitting Kendal after more than 50 years has not ruled out a return.

Greenwoods Menswear, on the corner of Stricklandgate and Market Square, will close its doors on September 1 with the loss of around three jobs.

Officials said the reason was 'property costs' and company strategy on the future format of some of its stores.

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It also coincides with the reneweal of the lease for the landmark property which is believed to be generating a lot of interest already.

Mark Fitzsimmons, an independent retail surveyor who acts for the company under his MFA Property business, said its strategy now demanded larger premises.

Mr Fitzsimmons said the existing business was spread over two floors in a 600-to-700sqft property and company strategy now was for larger premises with all trading across a single floor.

“There are a couple of reasons why it is closing; it’s partly to do with property costs and also menswear is in a very difficult market where margins are slim,” he explained.

“Retail is an awfully challenging market and during 2014, we have been looking at these issues very closely.

“It’s also the format of the store. It’s on a very prominent corner, the trouble is that the operations are split between a couple of floors.

“We have Greenwoods, Mansize and the very successful 1860 Suit Hire and what we try and do is have trading on one floor.”

“The business has not fallen out of love with Kendal or anything like that, quite the opposite, we like Kendal.

“We hope to find the right place at the right cost and the right time.”

The company has had a long association with Kendal, after moving from its original location on Highgate to its present site.

In 2009, a Chinese retail giant bought the chain after it fell victim to the credit crunch. The company was put into administration and sold to Harvest Fancy Hong Kong (HFHK), a subsidiary of retailer Bosideng.