‘It’s a tragedy!’ cry locals as ‘hidden gem’ shopping village with more than 20 stores set to close for good in January

A SHOPPING village with more than 20 stores is set to close for good within weeks, and fans say “it’s a tragedy”.

The small businesses in Houldsworth Mill in Stockport will shut for good at the beginning of January, according to local news reports.

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The shopping village opened 30-years ago and has been home to a huge range of independent businesses ever since.

Devastated business owners have taken to social media to share their upset over the closure.

Writing on Facebook arts and crafts shop Crafter said: “The past week I’ve been announced to some news that I didn’t expect and I’m quite shocked and devastated about.

“My shop in Houldsworth Mill Shopping Village along with a bunch of other shops and art studios will be closing down.

“I’ve been in this space for four and a half years and as you might notice the amount of work, love and soul I’ve put into it is just impossible to measure.”

While another took to Facebook to share details of a closing sale.

Writing on Facebook, one said: ‘After 30 years, Houldsworth mill shopping village, 2nd floor, Houldsworth Mill is closing down.

“As a result, many small businesses need to sell off merchandise and equipment.

“We are having a closing down sale everyday in December where there will be many things available including clothing, shoes, electricals, tools, office furniture etc.

“Everything must go. Many items will be offered for free!

“Come down this Sunday 10th December 11-4pm and everyday for rest of December.”

Shoppers were quick to comment and express their sadness over the closure, with some calling it a “tragedy”.

One customer said: “So so sorry to hear this. Such a wonderful space.”

Another added: “What a nightmare …such a lovely space.”

And a third wrote: “Why is it closing? It’s a hidden gem.”

The Sun has contacted Houldsworth Mill for comment.

It comes after it was revealed that Thurrock Shopping Park, Essex, has been marked for closure.

Marks and Spencer, Asda and Boots are all marked for closure as a result.

The move is part of a £200m plan to redevelop the area and make way for a 644,000 sq ft warehouse and distribution centre.

Developers, British Land said the investment comes with huge economic benefits and will create 700 jobs for the area.

What about store openings?

It is not all bad news for shoppers as some retailers are thriving despite the difficult trading conditions.

Supermarket giant Asda has just announced that it will be opening 34 new stores before Christmas.

Three standalone Asda Express sites already opened this week in Manchester, Salford and Romford.

Also, one of the biggest surprises for shoppers was seeing Wilko return to the high street.

Two new concept stores opened up in Plymouth and Exeter just last week, and another is set to open in Luton on December 7.

Since taking over some of the ex-Wilko stores, Poundland has opened up 71 locations, giving shoppers more chances to grab a bargain.

Meanwhile, The Sun recently revealed discount retailer Costco is expanding in the UK and is planning to open 14 more warehouses over the next two years.

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This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk