A York shop has revealed the “rather sad” news that it will close next month.
The Giftery & The Shop of Small Changes on Burton Stone Lane opened in 2019.
The unique two-in-one business is both a gift shop and a zero waste store.
Earlier this year, owner Mel Metcalf revealed she was moving on due to personal reasons – and said she was happy to give the business away free
That brought a lot of interest – and a new owner came forward.
However the deal has now fallen through. “We have some rather sad news,” Me posted on Facebook.
“Very sadly and rather unexpectedly, the person we thought would be amazing to take over our business (we met with over 60 interested people!) has sadly pulled out of from taking over and in addition our landlords have also decided to sell the building due to their own change of circumstances.
“This means that we can’t continue with our search to find new owners. This is their absolute right and we would like to express what lovely landlords they have been for the whole time we have been here.
“Sadly, this means that our shop must now cease to be entirely. We thought we had preserved at least a part of our business and that it would evolve into something new and fabulous… but that is no longer an option.
“We are so very sorry. We tried, we really did.”
The shop is now holding a closing down sale, with all stock at half price.
It will close on Sunday 6 July.
Mel added: Thank you, and again, we could not be more sorry that this didn’t have a better ending for you, our very loyal and incredible customers.
“You are all wonderful. We could not be more grateful and thank you for everything over the last six years.”