DEVASTATED shoppers are mourning the closure of a long-standing family-run store “that sold everything”.
Punters were left in shock after the Super Saver Store on High Street in Shirehampton, Bristol, closed after 16 years.
It was run by mother-and-daughter team Janet and Sarah March but shut its doors for the final time last week.
The store was known for its range of cards and stationery and was renowned for its range of gift options for birthdays, weddings and celebrations.
It also became known as a shop that sold everything and became an important part of the community.
But the much-loved shop closed with immediate effect with the owners citing “reasons beyond our control and unforeseen circumstances”.
Janet added that it was a “business decision” when responding to worried customers
Posting on Facebook, a statement from Super Saver Store said: “It is with a heavy heart and deep sadness we have to announce the permanent closure of super saver stores.
“For reasons beyond our control and unforeseen circumstances, this was not a decision that was made lightly and this has come as a shock to us as it has to you.
“We would like to thank all of our fantastic and loyal customers for all of your support over the last 16 years.”
Darren Burke paid tribute to the store as he posted on the store’s Facebook page. He said: “The end of an era.
“This was more than just a shop selling stuff. You always got a warm welcome and there was always laughter.
“It was a place I knew I could get things I needed and sometimes things I didn’t know I needed. It wasn’t so much what was sold, it was the people that sold it. I wish you all the best in the future and thank you for everything.”
One person commented: “Oh my God, this is sad to read. You [Sarah] and your mum [Janet] have been a godsend to Shirehampton, even down to just popping in for just a chat and a gossip.
“16 years, wow, you’ve literally seen both my kids grow up, popping in every year for a number balloon.
“You will be sadly missed as be me and I’d say all of Shire.”
Another said: “Sad to hear this, it was my go-to for every occasion during the year. Thanks for all your hard work ladies, gutted for you, you’ll be missed without a doubt.”
Several major shops and chains are closing dozens of branches in 2024.
Some stores will be replaced or relocated while others will disappear from the high street forever.
Card retailer Clintons is also set to close a number of branches, including those in Bournemouth and Kettering.
Argos, Next, Jack Wills and Poundland have all all shut selected branches this year.
It comes as 6,000 retail outlets have brought down the shutters since 2018, according to the British Retail Consortium.
The trade association’s chief executive Helen Dickinson OBE blamed the closures on “crippling” business rates and the impact of coronavirus lockdowns.
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.
Several big retailers have fallen into administration in the past year, including Wilko, Paperchase, and most recently, The Body Shop and Ted Baker.
Boots announced it would be closing 300 stores over the next year as part of plans to evolve its brand.
However, it’s not all bad news for the high street, as several other retailers and hospitality venues have plans to expand.
Beer giant Heineken announced plans to invest £39million to help reopen 62 previously shuttered British pubs.
Aldi has announced that it will open 35 new UK stores.
