SHOPPERS of a much loved stationary store are “absolutely gutted” after the shop shut for good following nearly 80 years in business.
Art and craft supply store Denny Bros in Bury St Edmunds has blamed its demise on the cost of living crisis and shoplifting.
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The Suffolk store was opened in 1945 and supplied artists and crafters, but now owner Joy Denny, 30, is shutting up shop.
She spoke to SuffolkNews and said the owners were devastated at the closure.
She said: “It’s a bit shocking for the public as it seems quite sudden. We’re really sad we didn’t get to say much of a goodbye but unfortunately we’re just doing what we have to do and it’s just one of those things.
“It’s been in the family for generations and it’s horrible that we’re the ones that’s in this situation but it’s sadly a culmination of many things over the past few years.”
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Joy has been running the business since being a teenager and said she remained proud the store had stayed open for as long as it had.
She said: “We’ve weathered a lot of storms and overcome so many challenges, and we do feel proud that we’ve carried on for as long as we could.”
In a letter posted to the window, shop owners Maureen and Joy Denny saying they could no longer continue with the retail market.
It reads: “We have provided you with traditional, face to face customer service form our wonderful and knowledgeable staff, providing quality goods and services, and investing in the local economy.”
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The letter goes on to say that the business had weathered many storms but the Covid lockdowns had drained the company of money.
They had then been hit further by Brexit, the energy crisis, and the cost of living crisis.
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“More recently we have been targeted by shoplifters, seemingly free of consequence or retribution, and with all these things combined, we simply couldn’t bounce back.
“We would like to thank out wonderful loyal customers for their custom and support over the years, some of you have become friends, and we are devastated to not be able to serve you again.”
One said: “How very sad, a wonderful shop. My son could always find what he needed and the staff so helpful. I so wish this lovely independent shop could have been helped.”
Another posted: “Extremely saddened to hear that news. For the past two weeks I’ve been singing your praises when you so carefully copied on such high quality paper some very precious documents I had.
“Can’t thank you enough for your excellent service. You will be greatly missed. I’m sorry to see you go.”
While a third said: “I wish we could save it somehow. Lots of great businesses lost, but this one is extra special to so many. Has been such a necessary niche over the years and an absolute staple of our town.”
What is happening to the high street?
Several other retailers have been struggling to get by over the past few years.
Energy costs have risen and more shoppers than ever are choosing to order online rather than head into stores.
This has left some retailers grappling with budgets and having no choice but to close stores to cut costs.
Troubled fashion brand Superdry has said it is looking at various “cost-saving options” after reports it is considering a major restructuring which could include store closures and job cuts.
Boots revealed it would be closing 300 stores over the next year as part of plans to evolve its brand.
Major banks have also announced multiple branch closures.
Barclays is to start pulling the shutters down on 14 sites in England, three in Wales and three in Scotland as soon as April.
Even charity shops are struggling Oxfam confirmed it would close eight of its UK stores last year.
But some shops are bucking the trend and opening new locations.
Primark said it will open five new branches, and one is coming in just weeks.
The Frasers Group has announced it will be taking over the former John Lewis site at Queensgate Shopping Centre, Peterborough to open another new concept store.
B&M is opening six new locations at the start of 2024, including in former Wilko stores it has taken over.
WHSmith has said it intends to open 15 new stores across the UK but they won’t be on the high street.
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Avon plans to open shops in the UK for the first time in its over 100-year history.
Costco is looking to open 14 new locations in the UK over the next two years, while Greggs will add up to 160 branches this year.
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