A shop in Beeston with 'friendly staff' has announced it's to close. A sign in the window of Cardzone in High Road says the store will shut in January.
The exact reason for the closure remains unclear at this stage. But the shop is advertising a closing down sale. Shoppers and local residents said it will be sorely missed and that it was known for the 'welcoming' team behind the counter.
Michelle Harris, who is 29 years old and lives in Beeston, said: “It’s never nice to see a shop close down but when it’s one you go into on a fairly regular basis it’s even worse. A lot of people pop in and out of here and the staff are friendly and welcoming so I think it will be missed.
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"I’m not sure what I’d like to see replace the shop, it’s nice having something along here that isn’t a cafe or restaurant and many people aren’t opening those now as they’ll be shut before you know it because of all the high rents. As bad as it sounds, this will be one of many closures, we need shops like these, it is a shame.”
Cardzone, which has more than 150 stores in the UK, has shops locally in Nottingham city centre and Mansfield. As well as cards for every occasion, the chain is known for its array of gifts.
In recent days other local businesses have confirmed they'll be closing, too, and in Mapperley people said they were concerned for the future of the high street due to the loss of a popular cafe. Retired Jeff Plackett, 64, said that he doesn't go into Cardzone often. But he added “any closure is sad”.
Born and bred in Beeston, he said: “How many card shops are there? There are loads of cafes but we need more shops like these and shoe shops. We want more of a variety of shops. We have enough barbers, too. Rates need to be reduced to stop too many closures from happening.”
Beeston art teacher Meera Jones, 56, was also sad to hear of the future of Cardzone. “You do see a lot of people come in and out, hopefully whatever replaces it is something useful and convenient,” she said.
“You don’t realise you need a card or gift until you see this place and then you pop in, have a browse and come out with more than you anticipated.” NottinghamshireLive contacted Cardzone but the company declined to comment.
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