The only full-time gun shop in the Channel Islands is set to close its doors later this year after 70 years in business due to rising costs, changes in consumer habits, and a decline in footfall.
Owner Graeme Delanoe announced earlier this week that Newton & Newton would be closing on 24 December 2025.
“It’s something I have been thinking about for the last few years,” Graeme wrote on social media.
“With the decline of people willing to come into town and the huge cost of living, the time is right for me.”
Pictured: Mark Newton and Graeme Delanoe.
The decision comes as increasing pressures are facing Jersey’s high street, with the number of empty stores reaching a record high and online shopping now accounting for an average spend of £106 per household weekly.
The Colomberie-based business, which has remained in the same place since it was founded in 1954 by Fred and Les Newton, began as a photography shop before evolving into a gun and sports equipment business as Fred developed an interest in shooting.
Graeme, who has owned the business for the last eight years and worked there for 34, said that rising rents, the dominance of online shopping, and a fall in tourism patterns have made trading on the high street increasingly difficult.
“When I first started, we were open six and a half days a week until 10 at night, with hundreds of tourists,” Graeme recalled.
“Now, tourism has changed. People come to Jersey, but they’re not shopping.”
He pointed to challenges such as limited parking and the rise of online retail, which have drawn foot traffic away from the Colomberie area.
“There’s nothing to bring people up this way anymore,” Graeme explained.
“Myself and Damien [MacCormack] from the record shop [Music Scene] are the only two actual shops left in this section.”
Pictured: Graeme made the closure announcement on social media earlier this week.
He added that online retail giants like Amazon have made it harder for local businesses to compete, particularly because of Jersey’s Goods and Services Tax.
“I pay GST on everything that comes through the door, which puts me at a disadvantage compared to online retailers” the business owner said.
“I can’t pass that cost on, so I’m 5% down before I even start.”
Although the physical shop is closing, Graeme plans to continue operating in the firearms sector from private premises.
This move will allow him to reduce costs, including £15,000 in annual rent and an additional £6,000 in pension expenses.
“I’ll still have customers if I’m operating from somewhere else,” he said. “Giving up the shop is a no-brainer when you look at the costs.”
The closure has prompted a wave of support from islanders, many of whom shared fond memories of the shop.
One long-time customer said: “I purchased my first firearm there 52 years ago when I was 14 years old.”
Others described Graeme as “one of the best and nicest shopkeepers” and praised his contribution to the local shooting community.
Pictured: “I am gutted at the shop is going because it’s the only toy shop left for men.”
At 64, Graeme is looking forward to spending more time with his family, including his two grandchildren, aged six and three.
“I’ve made so many friends over the years, and it’s going to be very, very sad,” he said. “But I want to enjoy my retirement and spend time with my family.”
Graeme added: “I appreciate everyone’s support over the years.
“It’s been the only toy shop for men, where I’ve watched generations come through, making so many friends along the way.”
Newton & Newton will continue operating normally throughout 2025, with Graeme open to discussions about anyone interested in continuing the legacy.
Pictured top: Mark Newton and Graeme Delanoe.
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