Harrogate gift and jewellery shop Butterfly Kisses is set to close due to rising costs and pressures facing independent retailers.
The business, which has operated in the town for several years, announced the decision in a statement shared this week.
Owner Alia Rana said the current economic climate and cost of living crisis had contributed to the closure, alongside rising operating costs and an unsuccessful appeal to the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) regarding business rates.
A 'closing down sale' is currently underway, but no official closing date has been revealed.
In a statement, the business said:
“It is with a heavy heart that we have made the decision to close the doors of Butterfly Kisses in Harrogate.
“Like many independent businesses across the UK, we have felt the growing impact of the current economic climate and cost of living crisis over the past year, as changes in consumer spending have continued to affect high streets and shopping towns nationwide.
“Despite our best efforts to diversify our offering and adapt to the challenges facing independent retail, rising operating costs have had an impact on our business.
“The largest pressure has come from business rates, and we are deeply disappointed that our appeal to the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) was unsuccessful.”
They added:
“We believe our closure should serve as a wake-up call to both local and central government.
“Independent businesses like Butterfly Kisses are at the very heart of towns like Harrogate, helping to create vibrant, unique shopping destinations and supporting local communities.”
Customers will still be able to shop the company’s ranges at its Leeds store in LS27, with further updates being shared via the business’ Instagram page, @butterflykisses.harrogate.
Alia Rana, Owner of Butterfly Kisses, said:
“We are incredibly proud of everything Butterfly Kisses has become, and that is thanks in no small part to our amazing staff and the loyal customers who have supported us throughout the years.
“We would like to sincerely thank everyone for the love, kindness and support they have shown us.”
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