Robertson’s Fishing Tackle in Oxlow Lane closed on December 6 after “increasing pressures” on the business and a “sudden family bereavement” for owner Sam Dear.
The shop has since been put up for sale on Zoopla and is valued at £750,000.
The site comprises of a “triple-fronted commercial premises arranged over ground and first floor levels with a double-storey rear extension”, according to Zoopla’s description.
Part of the first floor (242) has been sold on a long lease and the other part remains as accommodation connected to the shop trade although “suitable for a residential conversion”.
The business was founded in 1938 by George Robertson in Plaistow and moved to Dagenham in 2002.
Sam started working on Saturdays at Robertson’s when he was 16 and worked his way up the ladder before taking over the shop early this year.
Wantz Road car park, located nearby the shop, was closed in November last year and Sam told this paper in June that he had been watching Robertson’s “die” because of it.
After a year out of action, the car park was reopened in November 2025 but it proved too late for Sam.
In an effort to bring business in, Sam opened a tattoo parlour in the shop in September with his friend Kyle Dias but this too was not enough to survive.
He said: “After over a year of struggle it is with great regret that Robertson’s Fishing Tackle has closed its doors after 87 years.
“Unfortunately, the closure of the car park for 12 months and the ever increasing pressure from the economy, I just could not continue any longer.
“Robertson’s will go down in history, there will never be another shop or community like it, and we should all be thankful we got to be part of it.”
In a statement posted on Facebook Sam also mentioned a “sudden family bereavement” which contributed to the decision to close the shop.
In October, Sam confirmed he was planning to run as a local councillor but has since told this paper that this will no longer be the case.
He added: “I want to thank all of our customers old and new for the support and memories over the years.
“We want to wish all our friends and customers the very best for the future and as always tight lines.”
