A well-known retailer has closed its doors in a west Suffolk town as the mayor has expressed shock and sadness over the announcement.
Denny Bros Supplies Ltd, in St Andrew’s Street South, had been a much-loved feature in Bury St Edmunds town centre for almost 80 years.
The family-run shop, which was popular among arts and crafters, first opened in the town back in 1945.
In a statement, owners said they were "devastated" to be closing the business.
The statement reads: "Over the years we have weathered many storms and outlived some well-known larger retailers. Unfortunately, the Covid lockdowns, drained us of our capital, and we have faced further factors such as Brexit, an energy crisis, and the recent cost of living crisis, which have all meant increasing costs we could neither bear nor fully pass on.
"More recently we have been targeted by shoplifters, seemingly free of consequence or retribution, and with all these things combined, we simply could not bounce back."
They thanked their customers and added: "We know you appreciated us, and we definitely appreciated you."
Bury St Edmunds mayor, Diane Hind, said: "I have to say when I heard the news I was surprised and disappointed. It is such a unique and valuable shop.
"Their presence and service and their contribution to Bury was always very good - they were always very community-oriented.
"It will be such a big loss. Losing something as unique as Denny Bros seems like a real kick in the side.
"I really think it is a shame because of the nature of the service and items they provided that you can't get anywhere else."
Graham Denny, managing director of Denny Bros Ltd, which is unrelated and will be unaffected by the closure, said: "I am very sad to hear it has closed as it was originally founded many years ago by my parents and my aunt and uncle.
"I do know they have been battling against many of the challenges faced by many retailers, such as on-line competition, high costs etc."
Denny Bros Ltd, which specialises in multi-page labelling and print solutions, will still operates from its base in Bury St Edmunds' Kempson Way.
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