A family-owned shop in the centre of York is to close after more than 60 years of trading, staff have announced.
Connolly’s Homestyle in Fossgate will close at the end of this month, creating another prominent shop vacancy, as city leaders try to navigate the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
It has been a fixture at the top end of Fossgate for generations of York shoppers, selling curtains, kitchenware, clocks, bedding and ornaments.
The news was announced on the shop’s Instagram and Facebook pages, as well as via a notice on the door of the shop.
The statement said: “It is with a great mixture of emotions to announce that we will be closing our Fossgate store on Saturday 31st October 2020.
“We will continue to run our website as normal, using our trusted courier’s for deliveries, however click & collect will no longer be available.
“After over 60 years of successful trading on Fossgate, our owner has now decided to retire after what can only be described as one of the most difficult and challenging years both in business and on a personal level.
“We’d like to thank all of our loyal customers for their continued support over the years – Many of you have become great friends!
“To our staff past & present thank you for all of your hard work, support & making our business what it is today. We have some great memories & stories that will be forever cherished with you all.”
The statement said a sale had now begun, that all outstanding orders would be fulfilled before the closure and that anyone with vouchers or credit notes should redeem them as soon as possible.
Regular customers paid tribute. One said on Facebook: “So sorry to hear this. Such a good shop. I’ve been buying my nets there since 1983. Good luck for the future and happy retirement.”