A steady performer in Bermuda's retail game for 33 years could be about to close its doors for the final time.

Clothing store The London Shop on the Corner of Washington Lane and Church Street in the city of Hamilton is up for sale as owner Reginald (Scotty) Scott looks forward to retirement now he has reached the golden age of 65.

And he insists an old-fashioned-style of customer service at the shop protected it from flagging tourism and increasing overseas shopping.

He told The Royal Gazette yesterday that two local businesses were "very interested'' in buying the store -- and a final decision was expected within the next month.

But he has prepared himself for the chance that the takeover does not come off and instead the shop closes down for good.

He said no matter what happened all creditors would be fully paid-off since the business was in a healthy state. And it is not yet clear whether new owners would continue employing his two full-time and two part-time staff.

Although Mr. Scott only bought the business three years ago, he has worked for the store for the past 20 years and established a dedicated following of customers for himself.

In fact he said the increasing amount of overseas shopping done by many Bermudians and the lower visitor numbers in recent years had not really impacted on The London Shop's sales figures.

"We haven't seen any dent in the demand here because we've been around for so long and have a very well established set of customers,'' he said.

"Some businesses now don't seem to understand how valuable that kind of service is. It is so rare these days.

"Yes the number of visitors to Bermuda have dropped but regulars aren't really affected and the numbers will build up again providing the Island gives the kind of service that tourists deserve.

"Many of the people who buy clothes here have been doing that for the past 30 or 20 or ten years. Whether they're tourists or locals, they're regular customers who appreciate the friendly, polite service we offer.

"When I tell them there's a chance we might be closing for good they are worried but as soon as I say that there are two companies interested in buying us they are very relieved.'' The store started on Front Street 33 years ago and for the past 20 years has been located in the Washington Mall.

"I hope the new owners keep the same name because it's very well established but that's up to them. We are a friendly place and have always offered good service so the customers get to know us well and by name, the same as we know them. Even with tourists the same ones come back each year -- sometimes they even bring gifts for us from the countries where they live.

"There's one couple I've got in mind who've been coming in every year for at least ten years because we've built up a rapport which is good for business.

And that's good for the Island.'' Reginald Scott: Bought London Shop three years ago, but has worked in the store for the past 20 years.