The multi-brand retailer in premium luggage and bags has announced the shutting down of its business after 70 years due to the crisis inflicted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The statement on Witco’s website read, “We regret to inform you that we have closed down our business. The decision to close down this business was not an easy one, but unfortunately, due to COVID-19 and the restrictions on international travel, it was not sustainable for us.”
The retail chain thanked its clientele in the statement.
“We would like to thank all of our customers and our esteemed clientele for their patronage over the last 70 years,” the statement said.
Witco started its journey in 1951 in a small store in George Town, Madras and was the first manufacturer of hand-crafted luggage. The retail chain held the majority of shares in the Chennai market.
People from different parts of the world took to social media platforms to share their memories related to the legendary brand.
My God! WITCO is closing down due to COVID-19, after 70 years! If you have grown up in Tamil Nadu, you'd remember this iconic brand! I recall buying quite a few things from WITCO while growing up in Trichy in the 80s. pic.twitter.com/1SFLl6O5PP
— Karthik 🇮🇳 (@beastoftraal) June 4, 2021
This is very sad. Luggage maker Witco, which has been in business for 70 years, has shut shop due to the hit it took because of Covid19. pic.twitter.com/mfhQInfK5e
— Chandra R. Srikanth (@chandrarsrikant) June 4, 2021
Such a home brand #witco is shutting. Such a shock to a #Madras Person. #COVIDSecondWave it is eventual given the travel bans. Still hurts so bad. #chennai pic.twitter.com/ovah0iiqT4
— Lalith Raja (@lalithrajams) June 4, 2021
