A WELL-loved high street gift shop is set to close its doors permanently following the launch of a major closing-down sale.
The Wallace Emporium, located on Castlegate in Lanark, has announced its decision to shut up shop after just two years of trading in the town centre.
A post on the retailer’s Facebook page said: “We’re closing our doors.
“It’s time to say goodbye… but not without a thank you!
“Enjoy 20% off everything in-store until we’re sold out.
“Grab your favourites while you still can – once they’re gone, they’re gone!”
The shop was a favourite among locals, renowned for its range of Scottish-made products, including Harris Tweed purses, Isle of Skye candles, and a variety of other fragrances.
Reacting to the news of the closure, one shopper said on Facebook: “What it happening to Lanark? It’s not the same as it once was.”
Another said: “So sorry to see another good little shop and a premises closing its doors in the town.”
“Such a shame this little treasure trove is going to close,” said a third.
It’s not the only high street establishment in Lanark to announce its closure in recent weeks.
The owners of the Woodpecker bar and restaurant have confirmed that the venue will permanently shut its doors on Sunday, 27 April.
[authenticated-scripts src=”%3Cscript%20class%3D%22palin-poll%22%20src%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thesun.co.uk%2Fpollingwidgets%2Fv3%2Fwidget.js%3Fquestion_id%3D112316%26game%3Dpolling%22%3E%3C%2Fscript%3E” type=”embedded” width=”100″ /] [bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”Why are so many pubs and bars closing?” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6352178578112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]Other shops leaving the high street
Beales, one of Britain’s oldest department stores, has launched a closing down sale before it shuts its last remaining shop after more than 140 years.
The company will shut its branch in Poole’s Dolphin Centre on May 31.
The sale includes fashion, furniture, gifts and cosmetics, being sold for up to 70% off.
Beales chief executive Tony Brown blamed the “devastating impact” of the rise in national insurance contributions and the higher minimum wage for the store closure.
Meanwhile, high street fashion chain New Look has begun to close stores as it scales back its UK footprint.
It is understood to be shutting nearly 100 stores – equivalent to around a quarter of its 364 shops.
Stores in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, St Austell, Cornwall and Porth, Rhondda Cynon Taf have launched closing down sales.
Reports suggest that the company has been forced to accelerate the pace of store closures due to tax changes in the Autumn Budget.
Meanwhile, Huttons in London will shut its store in the Putney Exchange due to excessive energy costs.
The gift shop became a local icon after it opened in the 1990s.