Family firm JS Walker and Sons – one of the longest-established clothes shops in the North West – has been a
cornerstone of the port since 1859.
But the decision to close was taken because the manager retired and there was no-one left in the family to take the business forward. The three remaining staff have found other jobs.
"Closing was a difficult decision to make," said company boss Paul Farquhar.
"My father Les ran it for many years and he died last August.
"I've worked here for 33 years so it was not a decision that was made lightly. A lot of people are coming in with stories about how they used to come here for their school uniforms and it has been really nice reminiscing.
"I've records from 1916.
"We used to go round by horse and cart down all the lanes in Fleetwood."
The business was founded in 1859 by tailor James Shaw Walker. In 1889 his two sons joined the firm and the name was changed to J.S. Walker and Sons.
The business remained in the family through three generations, the last of the Walker line being Douglas and Arthur, who were great grandchildren of the founder.
ln May 1964, Les Farquhar joined the firm and, as neither Douglas nor Arthur had sons to follow them, ownership gradually transferred to Mr Farquhar, who was joined in 1975 by his son, Paul.
In 1995 BT awarded the company first prize in its competition for displaying a combination of traditional service, backed with modern communication equipment.
Mr Farquhar said the shop was able to keep trading through many difficult years because of its reputation for good customer service.
He said: "We've always cared for customers.
"We've been through a number of recessions and survived by offering proper service."
The shop will be filled by the expansion of nearby Brooks Cycles on North Albert Street and the wedding-hire service will be taken over by the Bridal Cottage which is also on the same block.
Mr Farquhar now runs a successful internet business, Healthy and Essential, which sells diet supplements.
Peter Horsley, a retired commercial photographer, had business in the town for more than 40 years.
He said: "We've lost an institution. It's part of the town's history and it has changed very little.
"They always sold quality goods and there is little demand for quality any longer. I have a beautiful coat I bought there several years ago
"But shopping has changed with supermarkets and people able to go to Manchester to the Trafford Centre.
"At one time they had seamstresses and did a lot of alterations, but there isn't the demand there now."
Local historian David Pearce said: "It was a high quality business which are uncommon in many towns, not just Fleetwood.
"It's the sort of quality business which, increasingly, you don't find and I am sure it will be a loss for Fleetwood. It's sad to see any old-established institution disappear."