An outdoor equipment store is the latest Manx business to shut its doors.

Ayre Mowers, located in Sulby, announced the news on its Facebook page on Wednesday.

The store specialised in selling, servicing and repairing mowers and stocked a wide range of power and garden tools.

The business, which had served the north of the island for 25 years, said the decision to close was made with 'deep regret' and for 'various reasons'.

In a statement issued online, owner Andy Brew said: 'I would like to take this opportunity to genuinely thank all of our customers over the last 25 years for their business/support and friendships.'

Signing-off, he gave a special thank you to 'Mum and Mac' for their support.

Andy bought the business in 1999 following leaving the RAF. He told Service Dealer Magazine that the business rode the storm of increased competition and concentrated on their core business of service and repairing.

He said: ‘In 2019 we had the opportunity to lease a government-owned industrial unit with more space, better parking and the vision that a more expansive development of the retail park was on the cards.

‘So we grabbed it and, wow, the first six months saw a exponential rise in sales.

He then cited the pandemic and rent increases for struggles from then on.

He continued: ‘Then the pandemic hit, from which we have not recovered.

‘Footfall has virtually stopped as the dependence on the internet has become the norm.

‘Also the price benchmark of shipping to the island is now exorbitant. Also we've seen rent increases of 14% - and so on!"

"So, with all these factors and some personal health issues thrown in to boot, we tried to sell the business locally but with little interest.

‘We finally came to the decision to close Ayre Mowers, following a 25 year chapter of our lives.’

Customers reacted to the news by expressing their disappointment at the closure of the store on Clenagh Road.

One said: 'Such sad news.

‘Another well respected, long established local business closes'.

Another added: 'Masters of the craft of customer care. Another big loss to the island'.