A LEGENDARY party store that has served generations of Southend families is set to close its doors for good after 70 years. 

Bosses at Sancto in London Road, Westcliff - described as a “monumental landmark in Southend town centre” announced the store will close on September 30.

Sancto is a familiar sight with its red and yellow branding on a key site in Southend city centre. 

The Solly family took over the business in 1953 from Mr W.E. Sancto and have continued to grow the party store to what it is today.

Alan and Mirjam Solly ran it for more than 52 years, their son Steve has then worked full-time since 1993, and daughter Anna since 2000. The family have since decided to announce their retirement and as a result sell the business.

The doors will close for the final time on September 30, with a closing down sale now underway.

In a statement, the family said: “Sancto has been a monumental landmark of Southend town centre for the past 70-plus years.

“It will be a very, very sad day when the store finally closes as such a huge part of the community. But we want to look at it as a positive thing for the family as it is the right time for us.  The right time as a family to call it day. But the time to retire has arrived.

The store is set to close on September 30, and all items are now 50 per cent off.”
Sancto is known for selling balloons, banners, decorations, fancy dress, and accessories.

Chris Storey, 42, from Southend, said: “This place is a staple of my childhood. We used to go there regularly for balloons for family occasions, fancy dress costumes and other decorations.

“What a place. So many of those old institutions are going. I have been aware that the place was up for sale because I read it in the Echo. I’ve also seen a fair few advertisements for closing down sales. But I never thought it would actually close down. Sad news.”

The business, and attached accommodation, was put on the market earlier this year for more than £1 million.

Mike Gray, managing director at Dedman Gray, confirmed the sale of the building is nearing completion, adding: “It is always a shame to see a long-standing Southend family business name coming to its end of trading. This sales showroom has been a prominent site for many years, and I can imagine nearly every family has at some time of other visited the shop to treat themselves to either something to add to their party or fancy-dress occasion.”

More details on the sale is set to be revealed in the coming weeks.