Shoppers have been left stunned after a popular Harry Potter shop announced that it will be closing for good within weeks.
Potteries Potions in Stoke-on-Trent is to pull the shutters down for the final time in January but an exact date is yet to be confirmed.
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In a statement on Facebook, the shop, inspired by the Harry Potter series, said it was “truly sorry and saddened” by the closure.
It read: “Potteries Potions will be closing in January 2024.
“The cost of living crisis has hit us hard this year and we have seen a huge decline in the way our visitors have spent their money with us.
“It is common place now that people do find things cheaper online, from bigger retailers and online market places.
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“But if you want to have a thriving high street and exciting shops to visit you must be willing to pay a little more for the experience and think about the behind the scenes costs that are involved with this.”
Many Harry Potters fans took to Facebook to express their surprise at the news.
Writing on social media, one shopper said: “A real sad day for Longton and Longton Exchange Shopping Centre – these guys have created literal magic in that shop.”
Another Facebook user wrote: “Absolutely devastated. You helped me with my sons birthdays especially his 18th.
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“Got so much from your shop. Can’t believe your closing. Will be so sad. Best wishes for the future.”
A third wrote: “So sorry to hear this. I’m a massive Harry Potter fan so having this shop so close to home has been amazing and it’s so sad to hear you are closing.”
While a fourth cried: “Oh no!!! This really upsets me!
“You are my absolute favourite shop, and its where I’ve spent my birthdays for the last three years!”
Potteries Potions opened in October 2020, launching under the name The Shop That Cannot Be Named, in a nod to Lord Voldermort.
The shop is set over two floors and sells books, collectables, apparel, accessories, toys, games and sweets.
The high street has taken a battering in recent years as shoppers turn their attentions to online retail.
Stubbornly high inflation means consumer’s budgets aren’t going as far too.
It has led to some well-known brands disappearing from the high street entirely, including Cath Kidston.
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A number of other companies have fallen into administration this year too, including Paperchase and M&Co.
But it’s not all bad news as some retailers have been expanding their number of stores, including B&M, Poundland and One Beyond.
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