‘It’s the end of an era’ say shoppers as much loved fashion store set to close after 25 years
A MUCH-LOVED fashion shop is closing down for good after 25 years.
Women’s fashion store Renaissance, in Kirkby Stephen, is set to close in January 2024.
The popular store told a local news outlet that “trade had changed” and it was getting harder to keep up with the rising costs.
Speaking to the News and Star, owner Gillian Brass, said: “It’s a tiny shop and it’s getting harder and harder to keep going with the rising costs of card machines and electricity.
“I think people buy more than ever online now rather than shopping in-store. No town looks how it did 20 years ago.”
Gillan went on to thank her customers and say it had been an “enjoyable 25 years”.
The owner also announced the closure on the store’s Facebook page and was inundated with comments from locals who were saddened at the loss of the store.
One said: “Ahhh end of an era, loved all the clothes I got from you.”
Another commented: “Very sad to read this Gillian, you will be greatly missed.”
While a third added: “Oh wow, Kirkby Stephen will absolutely miss you.”
It is not just smaller retailers that are struggling to keep their heads above water.
Shops of all sizes are disappearing from our high street at an alarming rate, leaving once-thriving shopping areas like ghost towns.
This past year has seen big retailers such as Paperchase and Wilko go bust completely.
Others, such as Boots, have been forced to close stores to ensure they stay profitable.
The pharmacy chain announced in June it would be consolidating its portfolio of outlets from 2,200 to just 1,900.
Shops including Poundland, New Look and Homebase are among those pulling the shutters down for the final time in December.
Clothing retailer New Look closed down six shops in January and February, and three more in October.
Its most recent closure was its Shirley branch in Southhampton which shut for the final time on December 2.
DIY giant Homebase has also closed 93 stores since being taken over by Hilco Capital in 2018.
Its most recent closures were locations in Banbury, Finchley and Plymouth.
Meanwhile, fashion brand Lacoste has 20 stores located across the UK, however, it closed the doors for the final time at its Leicester branch on December, 3.
We have a full list of all the stores closing for good in December.
As well as closing down stores some retailers have been opening up in new locations recently.
Bargain chain Poundland took on 71 Wilko sites as part of its expansion plans after its rival collapsed into administration in August.
Ex-Wilko sites have now opened up as Poundland in locations such as Newcastle, Leicester and Leeds and more are expected to follow.
The Sun also revealed this year that discount retailer Costco is expanding in the UK and is planning to open 14 more warehouses over the next two years.
Plus, in August, Greggs said it would open eight more branches over the following two months.