Year-round Christmas shop to shut days before festive season in major blow to fans

The Little Christmas Shop has been a hit with visitors for six years, but will be closing in the coming weeks in a sad blow for the local area. However, the owners are going out with a bang with a half-price sale

A beloved year-round Christmas shop that has delighted customers for six years is preparing to shut its doors permanently as locals say they will be sad to see it go.

The Little Christmas Shop, tucked away within the Telford World Heritage Site in Ironbridge, Shropshire has been flogging baubles, trinkets, presents and more for the past six years.

But bosses have now announced it will shut on Sunday, October 19, with stock slashed to half price for clearance.

The Little Christmas Shop formed part of the Copper Fox and Woodland Tea Room, dishing up festive afternoon teas and was Britain’s first tearoom devoted entirely to Christmas.

The proprietors announced on the shop’s social media pages: “Dear customers, friends and community.

After six years of trading in Ironbridge we have made the difficult decision to close our business. This has not been an easy choice, we feel it is the right step for us at this time.

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“We are deeply grateful for your support, trust, and loyalty over the years. It has been an honour to be part of your lives, and we cherish the memories and connections made along the way.

“Thank you to our fabulous local independent suppliers and our larger companies you’ve all been so good to us. Mike, Vicky, Helen, Jane, Barbara and hubby, Geral and Alison, Stacey and Jamie and Adam.

“Our last day of operation will be Sunday 19th October, Until then, we’ll be here to offer 50% off all our lovely stock. Gift vouchers will need to be used up by this date it is for store only.

“Any afternoon teas booked in I will be in contact with to refund you. I’m so sorry. I can recommend festive afternoon teas, I will speak to you over the phone.

“Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for being part of this journey. Though this chapter is closing, the friendships and experiences will always remain. With gratitude, Copper Fox and Woodland Tea Room.”

Punters are now being urged to use up their vouchers and stock up for Christmas before the doors shut on Sunday, reports Birmingham Live.

The nearby business Heritage View Guest House commented: “When I was feeling rubbish I would come into your lovely place and always left happy! Retail therapy was always the best with you guys, a shop that I was very proud off!”.

“My guests always came back with beautiful things. I actually feel Ironbridge is not going to be the same without you guys. But you guys are still very young, live your life to the full and have the best time ever.”

Mark A Palmer-Rees added: “Ironbridge is about to lose a shop that brings folk in from all over but you have to do what’s right.”