In an interview with the The People of Malta (TPOM) Facebook page, Valletta’s iconic ‘Caruana & Sons’ shop revealed that it’s set to close its doors servicing customers for a whopping 85 years.

The shop sold housing goods and was very well-esteemed by its customers for its good quality products and impeccable service.

Testament to this is the fact that the shop has been open since before World War II.

Josef, who is now 82 years old, together with his brothers, had originally bought the business from their father, Nikol Caruana.

“I am 82 years old and have carried on working up to this day. I continued with my nephews. I have been coming here for the past 69 years and I do not recall ever coming to work unhappy”, Nikol said.

Unfortunately, the family behind Caruana & Sons had to close up shop after the landlord revealed that they want the property back.

“This was a family-run business and the last shop of its sort in Valletta. In the past you used to say I'm going to Valletta to shop. Now people look for places outside of the city to do their shopping”, the family heartbreakingly told TPOM.

They went on to recall how they had lost everything in the days-long fire of 1971. Nevertheless, the family refused to give up.

“If you give up you will not get anywhere in life. I was the youngest, and together with my brothers Guzeppi, Giulinu and Karmenu, we decided we wanted to rise and start all over again,” Josef continued.

The shop was not only a popular spot amongst many shoppers but also with Saint Gorg Preca. He used to come and preach to the men on Monday and to the women on Tuesday.

“I still have a lot of memories and anecdotes from those times. I recall my father buying a tin of toffees from the shop opposite which San Gorg Preca used to bless before distributing to those present”

Josef is very proud of all that he has managed to achieve together with his family, and has no regrets.

“I did all I could. I am not unhappy that we are closing down. This business has given me huge rewards. I have always tried to make sure that our clients were happy. Everything works out in the end,” he revealed.

“We would like to thank all our lovely customers, God bless you all," Josef concluded

Facebook/The People of Malta