The owner of a popular Derry store has announced it is to close.
Moira McClure has owned No. 1 Guildhall St in the city centre for around eight years but she said the difficult decision was made due to the detrimental impact Covid-19 had on the business.
The independent retailer has built up a positive reputation in the town for selling a range of handmade craft items which helped support local artists and crafters across the city and Ireland.
In July, Moira told MyDerry how she was looking forward to welcoming people back to their Annie Sloan painting workshops.
However, after a continued decrease in footfall due to the pandemic, she said the time had come to close the shop.
In a statement on Facebook, No. 1 Guildhall St said: "We are sad to announce the closure of our shop in Guildhall Street. We would like to thank all of our customers over the last eight years for shopping with us, we will miss you!
"Our closing down 40% off all items sale will begin on Tuesday 11th January and from that date, our opening hours will be 10.00-5.00 Tues-Sat while stock lasts."
Shoppers have expressed their sadness at the news.
Karen O'Kane said the closure will come as a 'real loss' to the city centre.
She added: "Moira I'm so sorry to hear this, your beautiful shop will be a real loss to Derry and the designer/makers/artists you have supported and nurtured over the years."
Avril McAlister also expressed her regret at the news, she said: "Sorry to hear this Moira, you had a lovely shop and have some great stock. Difficult times, unfortunately. Best wishes for whatever you do in the future."
Cara Forrest added: "So sorry to hear this. Have bought lots of beautiful gifts from your lovely shop. It has been a tough few years for all retail. So sad to see such a lovely shop go from the town."
Local crafting artist, Natasha Duddy said the announcement would be 'sadly missed' to local designers around the town.
Ms Duddy said: "Sorry to have heard this news, Moira.
"You and Cathy have been an amazing support to not only my business but also other local crafters/designers and artists. You will be sadly missed. I’ll call in soon."
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