A popular Hereford shop has confirmed that it will be closing down, following a significant fall in footfall.
The Children’s Bookshelf, confirmed the news in a post on social media on Thursday.
“We’re so very sad to announce the closure of our shop, The Children’s Bookshelf on Gomond Street. It’s really the last thing we want to do.
“We have tried everything in our power to stay where we are as we really love being in town and being part of our community and we feel we have made a difference.
“It’s been amazing having a base in the city centre and we have met some truly lovely people along the way.
“Unfortunately we have had so many obstacles in our path, cost of living, the fuel crisis, Covid, rising bills, exploding pavements (it’s a long story) and so much more.
“This year our footfall seems to have mostly fallen off a cliff, with this Easter being the worst ever.
“We continually hear that so many of you don’t come into town anymore.
“We do have busy times, but they are becoming less and less. And we now can no longer afford the overheads of our city centre shop.
“We did write to the council, our landlords to ask if they could give us some breathing space while we investigated turning all or part of the business into a not for profit or a CIC. This is something we have wanted to do for a long time, and will still be investigating.
“Unfortunately they were unable to help. We have asked for a few months for our notice period so we can find a new home for “The Childen’s Bookshelf”.
“So if anyone has any ideas we are open to anything. We would most definitely need parking of some sort.
“We have schools visit the shop and would love to have a parking space for a mini bus for them and some parking for us and our deliveries also.
“Please be aware we are not closing as a business, it’s very much full steam ahead and business as usual as we head into a new chapter of “The Children’s Bookshelf” We now just need a new base.
“We will be having a closing down sale starting tomorrow as books are heavy to move.
“We will probably be selling a few other bits from the shop along the way, maybe some tables and some items from upstairs.
“Here is some useful information that may help if you have some questions.
“If you have Children’s Bookshelf vouchers don’t worry we are still accepting them and will continue to accept them in our new home wherever this is.
“We are still accepting ‘National Book Tokens’.
“Our school pop up book sales are unaffected by this and will carry on as normal.
“Our online pop up book sales are unaffected by this and will carry on as normal.
“We’ve had two bookings so far, so can’t wait to get started on these.
“Our book hunt initiative is continuing as normal and we have lots of book hunt books at the shop packed up and ready to be hidden. We are still accepting second hand children’s books for the hunt.
“We are still collecting teddy bears for ‘The Teddy Trust’
“Our brand new website in unaffected by this and is very much up and running with new items being added daily, if you can’t get into the shop this is a great way to support us by ordering online.
“We offer free local delivery every Monday with a minimum spend of £5 👉 https://thechildrens-bookshelf.square.site/?fbclid=IwAR3UqHiRuIbBDty94mx5vWFQrZHvPO0OhyD9XoijKZ_OucQoCM12ktBz6fo_aem_AbWqLGHHt_ZrmhR_JfeAqOv857T1F05raNpSGbCc5Tybzslbe7z5Y7SK_ZbBW22Q_V0
“If you have any other questions please just ask and remember we still need your support.”
