AFTER almost three decades in business, one of Britain’s treasured party supplies shops has collapsed into administration.
The Card and Party Store in Bury, Manchester told devastated customers that it was holding a closing down sale earlier this month.
The store on Manchester Road first opened its doors 27 years ago and since then has become a staple for supplying party supplies to the local community.
In a post on Facebook, and in yet another blow for the high street, it was revealed the last day of trading was Monday.
The firm added: “It has been a very stressful and upsetting time for us all here at Card and Party Store and it has been a difficult decision to make.
“We just wanted to say that we are so grateful to all our lovely customers who we got to know over the years and who kept us going for so long, we cannot thank you enough.
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“We would also like to say a huge thank you to our amazing staff who have been with us for so many years and who were part of our CAPS family.”
The business held an administration sale with prices slashed by 75% which saw bargain hunters racing to pick up cheap items.
The closure is just the latest in a string of names disappearing from high streets across Britain.
One customer of the Card and Party Store said on Facebook: “I’m so sad it’s closing. So many businesses we are losing.”
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Another added: “Sorry to hear this. End of an era. Such a lovely family business!”
A different poster wrote: “Such sad news, we have been a customer for nearly 8 years and had excellent service. You will be sadly missed.”
The cost of living crisis combined with an increase in online shopping has made it tougher than ever for businesses to keep bricks and mortar shops going.
High energy costs, business rates and rent all pile the pressure on smaller businesses with shrinking margins.
Bigger firms have felt the pinch too.
It comes off the back of Wilko collapsing and closing all shops.
Earlier this month, Next announced it was closing 11 stores.
And Boots is also closing 300 stores.
And a garden centre known as UK’s oldest rose growers has closed after 250 years in business.
It's not just shops that are affected.
Pub giant Wetherspoon has already closed boozers across the UK, including in Hove, Derby and London.
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As with shops, the hospitality industry has been hit by rising costs and lower footfall.
The Sun has reached out for comment to the Card and Party Store administrators Horsfields.
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