One of the best known retail names in Bradford is struggling to survive in a climate that has hit its traditional business.

Daley’s, which has sold books and art materials to thousands of Bradford university and college students, including David Hockney, is winding down its art supplies department.

Daley’s owner Liz Pennington, who started working there at 18 and bought the business 15 years ago, said she was no longer able to make the art business pay against competition from online and budget retailers.

She has diversified, closing the bookshop to focus on online sales, including supplying UK schools.

Liz has also converted the Grove Terrace premises opposite Bradford College, which Daley’s has occupied since 1967, into three units. One has been sublet to food outlet Spud Murphy’s run by John Redpath who hopes to develop it into a chain of franchises. Another unit is still available.

Liz said: “In recent years we have struggled to compete against online retailers and the supermarkets.

“We closed the bookshop and converted the space but still order and supply books if anyone wants them. Now, the same situation has arisen with artists’ materials and we are closing that department and are currently holding a sale to clear the stock.”

Department manager Tony Boldy, 60, who has worked for the firm since he was 15, has been made redundant.

“It’s tragic that we have had to make Tony redundant,” said Liz. “He is so well known to our customers and has given loyal service for so many years.”

Liz is determined to keep Daley’s trading by focusing on student services such as binding theses and photocopying, online book sales and income from the property lets. She is also considering starting a specialised greetings card section using local artists’ work.

Daley’s opened for business in 1946 and had previous shops in Godwin Street and Albion Court, off Kirkgate.