Gift shop to shut in 'underfunded' area of Shrewsbury
One of Shrewsbury's oldest gift shops will shut its doors for good – amid claims not enough is being done to support the town's independent businesses.
Jonathon's, which is based in a 15th century building on Mardol, will close next month after 32 years in business when its lease expires.
Owner Lorry Hodgkiss has praised "wonderful customers" who have supported the shop over the past three decades. But she added the Mardol area had been "overlooked and underfunded" for several years.
The shop first opened in 1978 as James the Second. It stocked goods from teapots to tealight holders and was an instant hit with shoppers.
Ms Hodgkiss said: "I have loved my time in Shrewsbury but it has not always been easy trading in Mardol. We suffered our first blow when the bus station was moved to the Darwin Centre. I feel that there has been a lack of investment, despite Mardol being packed with many varied, interesting independent businesses. It has been very overlooked and underfunded."
"Despite this we have had the privilege to serve many wonderful customers who have made us smile and the hard work worthwhile. I shall miss our lovely building and my wonderful colleagues who have been such a support over the years. They have lifted me up when I was down and I could not have survived without them.
"People have asked me why I am closing the shop and inevitably there is more than one reason but the rise of the internet and my inability to find the extra energy and finances required must be the main ones."
