A village gift shop that has served the community for almost 19 years is closing this Autumn as its owner takes steps towards retirement.
Janet Kneen, of It’s Yours Gift Shop, in Brampton, near Huntingdon, is holding a closing down sale to clear her remaining stock.
She says it was a “tough decision” to close the shop’s doors, but items will still be available through their website which will remain online.
Janet said: “Our customers have been so lovely over the years – that's the part I will miss dearly.
“On reflection, one of my biggest regrets is that I never kept a diary of all the funny, heart-warming and sometimes tearful stories my customers shared with me.
“We have a lovely community here in Brampton and the shop itself has formed its own micro community.
“I think I will miss that social side most.”
Janet and her daughter Rachel opened the shop in September 2005 following the tragic loss of Janet’s son Christopher the previous year.
The day-to-day running of the business helped them through such a difficult time.
“I never envisioned we would be here that long,” Janet says.
She enjoyed building the business by looking for and discovering new and unique designs for gifts.
Jewellery, cards, candles and homeware were among the ranges available at the shop.
She also strived to find the latest merchandise at trade fairs across the country to ensure her stock was current and on trend.
While the financial crisis of the late noughties and the coronavirus pandemic crippled many retail outlets, Janet still managed to navigate those tough times.
The It’s Yours Gift Shop is in the High Street and will close for good in September.
The closing down sale will continue until stocks last.
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