Landmark York shop to close – widespread dismay at ‘end of an era’
It is one of those shops that is part of the fabric of the city. Londons of York seems to have been there forever – but sad to report it will close for good next month.
Londons, found on the corner of Hawthorn Grove and Mill Lane, Heworth, sells newspapers, magazines, stationery, greetings cards and more on the ground floor, and toys upstairs.
It will shut on Saturday, February 28, 2015.
A notice on the window from owner Ian Simpson says the shop closure is “due to the current economic climate and recent market trends over the last five years”.
The note also expresses the gratitude of both Ian and Derek London to the customers over many years:
– Ian Simpson
The shop will trade as normal up until closure. After that newspaper deliveries “will be unaffected” with more details to follow.
In the meantime, Londons is holding a closing down sale. It is offering 50% off greeting cards, stationery, toys and household goods whilst stocks last.
Dismay at the news
The news that this landmark shop would disappear has sparked dismay on Facebook.
But then it is up to these businesses to move with the times and get an internet shop on board too so at least people can order online if they can’t get there.
Wonder will the building be turned into somewhere else to eat.
Very sad to hear it. It is indeed the end of an Era of very good service and pleasant people to deal with plus in those days you could park your car nearby. It was one of our regular main ports of call to find Birthday and Christmas toys and games for three little well behaved kids mentioning no names, Rob, Kate and Sally. I would say we went there between 1984 and 2000 mainly. Before that I often called as a rep to buy fags and a snack when I smoked. Sorry you are going Londons but its completely understandable. This makes me feel very old.
No doubt this shop which is superbly located will be purchased by another nationwide supermarket chain such as Sainsbury’s or Tesco’s – how sad.
Probably not Tescos given their recent statement about closing stores and freezing building plans