Alresford Gift Shop closing its doors due to rising costs

The Alresford Gift Shop, in West Street, will permanently shut on Saturday, September 14.

The shop has been open for more than 40 years, with the current owners having taken the reins 10 years ago.

However, owner Susan Crook has said that the shop is closing due to rising costs.

She told the Chronicle: “Sadly trading in current times has become harder and harder. High rents, uncertainty about business rates, increased postal charges (we mainly sell cards) and paper prices rising plus the loss of the last bank in town and parking changes have all had an impact particularly over the last couple of years.”

Alresford Gift Shop (Image: Google Maps)

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She continued: “I’ve been stunned by the phenomenal amount of good wishes we have received since we announced our closure on Sunday evening - hundreds of Facebook messages, emails and even cards and flowers wishing us well and thanking us.

“I would rather dwell on the positive and feel we have proved that there is a place for personal service and the huge variety of product that only truly independent retailers can provide. People love the personal contact, and we have loved serving our loyal customers and made so many friends.

“We decided to take advantage of a break clause in the lease to end our time at the shop rather than carry on so that we can spend more time with family and do some travelling - and have weekends! We really hope another business fills the premises soon.”

The shop has also launched a closing down sale, with everything at half price and all cards at £2 each, including Christmas stock.