An iconic family business will wave an emotional goodbye to Marlow this weekend after more than four decades dressing its dapper residents.

Jolliffes on Chapel Street shut its doors on Saturday for the final time after founder Geoff Jolliffe, 71, sold the property he bought in his 20s.

Moving to a new premises in Wooburn Green after 45 years at the gateway to Marlow, the Jolliffes' old shop will be demolished and replaced by houses.

And Mr Jolliffe, who worked tirelessly to build the business from scratch, says he has relished his time as outfitter to the town.

He said: "I sold my house to buy it and lived over the top, for a few years I was working more than seven days a week.

"It's been absolutely fantastic. Lots of stars have been in here over the years, lots of sportsmen, half the time I don't know who they are.

"When it has been your life it feels strange. But our regular clientele feel like friends.

"It will definitely be a shock to the system but you get to an age where you can't carry on forever. It's not an easy business to run."

In 2013, Mr Jolliffe told the MFP he was planning to sell the site, blaming the squeeze from the recession.

A drawn-out process over planning permission followed, with the new owners eventually getting the go-ahead in February to replace the corner site with three new houses.

The existing grade II listed building will be retained and converted to a four bedroom house.

Mr Jolliffe is planning to retire after the move, which takes place this weekend.

It comes after a career spanning six decades, during which Jolliffes expanded into a former laundrette next door, with ever-present help from his brother Richard.

And Mr Jolliffe said he is sad to be leaving the town he loves, but explained he could not find a premises in Marlow that the firm could afford. 

He said: “We would like to have stayed in Marlow, we didn't want to sell but with the recession it wasn't viable to carry on here.

“We wanted to find somewhere in Marlow but everywhere seems too expensive, it's been almost impossible.

“It's such a shame we can't find somewhere in Marlow but unless you're making huge profits it's very difficult.

“But our customers are very loyal so that's the best bit of it.”

His daughter Rachel Jolliffe, 43, will take up the measuring tape to drive the business forward.

From its new warehouse in Wycombe Lane, Wooburn Green, the firm will now specialise in menswear and fancy dress and will drop its ladieswear service.

Miss Jolliffe, who has worked with her father and uncle for around 20 years, said: "I want to modernise everything and develop more of an internet presence, but carry on the great service we are known for.

"Everyone has been great and very positive, I haven't heard any negative comments from customers.

"They're just happy we're carrying on and we'd like to reassure customers we are still going strong."