Locals devastated as Scots town’s beloved Christmas shop announces shock closure

LOCALS have been left devastated after a beloved Christmas shop in a Scottish town announced it will close down.

The Olde Christmas Shoppe in Helensburgh, Argyll and Bute, will shut its doors for a final time this weekend.

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The West Clyde Street store has been a staple on the town’s seafront for a decade.

Bosses made the tough decision to close down after they “lost the fight” while battling the cost of living crisis.

The shop will continue to trade online and will occasionally pop up at markets.

The doors will close for a final time on Sunday, January 5, and until then everything in store is 50 per cent off.

In an announcement on Facebook, the owners stated: “We come with very sad news indeed.

“We will be closing our doors on January 5 for good (well for now!).

“We will hand the keys back to the landlord and The Olde Christmas Shoppe Helensburgh will be gone from the seafront.

“We really didn’t want this to be the option, but we have battled the cost of living/doing business crisis for 2.5 years and we have lost the fight for now.

“We will continue to trade online, and we will pop up in various locations, markets etc throughout the festive season, so you won’t miss our cheery faces too much!

“For Helensburgh and the surrounding local customers we will offer a click and drop service on scent sachets.

“We hope to come back to the high street in the future and we will continue to play an active part in our community, but for now it’s a sad farewell from Claire, myself (Toni) and all the hard working elves.”

Locals were left gutted by the news and flocked to the comments.

One person said: “This is so sad. Sorry to see you go. You and your staff provided a wonderful service!”

A second wrote: “So sad to hear this. It’s a wonderful shop, loved coming in.”

A third commented: “Absolutely gutted to see this Toni! But completely understand how hard it is these days to sustain a small business.”

And a fourth added: “Aww no way. So sad to hear your closing your doors. Will try and pop in before you close. I just love your shop.”