A shop has pulled out of York, citing the reduction of ‘serious retail’ in the city centre.
Asgard, which specialises in Viking and Norse-themed clothing, jewellery and reenactment supplies, opened on Little Stonegate in July 2019.
Five years on, they have decided not to renew the lease and have moved out.
The business was started as an online store by Jim Glazzard. Although based in Scotland, he knew York well, having taken a post-graduate degree at the university, and knew the shop would appeal to the city’s many visitors.
It came complete with a spectacular Viking throne, designed by Tockwith-based Stage One – perhaps best known for creating the Olympic Cauldron for London 2012.
But now the throne has gone and the store is cleared out.
Catriona Glazzard told YorkMix: “It has been an interesting five years of trading in York.
“With Covid lockdowns coming after not even a year in the premises, we bounced back nicely, and have enjoyed the last few years trading.
“However, with the five-year lease coming to an end, and having seen much of the serious retail in the city replaced by hospitality and theme park style ‘visitor experiences’, as well as experiencing the difficulties associated with getting any local publicity for events or exciting new lines in the shop, we have decided to take a break in our operations in York at this time.
“Asgard may well return to York, as we are keeping an eye out for bigger premises, but for now all our products are available on our website.”
The company’s Scottish-made pewter Viking jewellery is also available in: The Jorvik Viking Centre; The York Vikings, Shambles; Norsemen, Goodramgate; and Rue B, Minster Walk.
It is a second blow to Little Stonegate. Last night, we revealed how bar and restaurant Forage had shut because it was ‘not viable’.