An arts and crafts shop which has stood in Berkhamsted for almost 50 years closed its doors last month.
Berkhamsted Arts and Crafts, located on Lower Kings Road, closed on Saturday, July 30 after stating that the high street was no longer a “viable place for the business”.
The family-run business first opened in the town 44 years ago on July 8, with owners saying that the closure of the shop will be a new chapter in their lives.
A notice informing customers of the closure reads: “For fifty-odd years we have served this fair town, through good times and bad times (bloomin’ pesky lockdowns!) but progress is restless and the times they do change.
“We’ve battled through bravely and weathered most storms, we’ve changed and adapted in line with new ‘norms’ but Brexit, pandemic and general high street decline, have finally done it for out ‘bottom line’.
“We’re sadder than sad that we’ll no longer be the people that you can pop down to see, to help you with scratching that creative itch, with paint, glue or pencil, with pompom or stitch.”
Jo Kidd, whose parents Tina and Rod first opened the store, thanked of all their loyal customers via the store’s Facebook page.
She said: “Unfortunately, the high street is no longer a viable place for business. We have no desire to move online as we are not passionate about sitting I front of a screen all day/packing up boxes/walking to the post office.
“Thank you for being one of our lovely customers, we will miss you all so much. It is people like you that have made our jobs and this shop the best fun ever!”
Do you have any memories of the arts and crafts shop to share? Get in touch at newshub@mynewsmag.co.uk
Aww what a shame. My late Mother was a regular shopper in this store for most of the time since you opened until we sadly lost her in 2017. I loved going in with her to have a look around when I was down visiting from Manchester.
Very best of luck.