An independent homeware and gift shop in Southport town centre will close its doors later this month – but will still continue to trade online and at local artisan markets.
Urban Attic opened on Market Street, opposite the side of Southport Market, in September 2021.
Owners Stephen Barr and Katy Khamisa stocked an eclectic mixture of their own pieces alongside a carefully curated collection of work from other local makers.They also sold bespoke, made to order furniture.
The shop is currently holding a closing down sale, with 50% off many products.
They said: “With so much sadness we are announcing the closure of our shop on Market Street.
“Unfortunately footfall to our lovely street hasn’t increased in the way we anticipated. This alongside proposed rent increases has pushed us to make this very tough decision.
“In this very unpredictable time, we have been truly disappointed to see so many small, successful, indie businesses forced into the same position.
“Although the bricks and mortar shop will be closing, we will not be disappearing altogether. “Whilst we regroup and think about our new direction, you will still be able to contact us via social media to place orders etc and find us at local artisan markets.
“We have been incredibly lucky to have such fantastic and loyal customers, who wonderfully on many occasions have become dear friends. Your support has meant the absolute world to us!
“To our makers who have continued to create the most gorgeous stock for the shop… we are eternally grateful!
“The shop will officially close on 23rd October 2022.
“Until our final day, we will be holding a closing down sale with many products up to 50% off.
“For those of you who are super organised, we have you covered for the BEST Christmas gifts.”
The opening of the shop was a boost for the Market Quarter of Southport, following the reopening of Southport Market as a new food, drink and events venue in July 2021.
The Sefton Council-led transformation was made possible through £900,000 in Southport Town Deal funding from the Government plus £600,000 from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.
The reopening of the Market attracted new local, independent businesses to move into the area including: Urban Attic; Season Coffee, Bar & Kitchen; The Cake Box; Eva’s Sewing Room; and David Davies Sales and Lettings Agent.
New owners are preparing to redevelop the former Coronation pub on King Street, while German Doner Kebab is due to lead the £500,000 conversion of the former McDonald’s building on the corner of King Street and Market Street, creating 30 new jobs.
Stephen, who was born and bred in Merseyside, is co-owner of East Street Concrete which began five years ago. He creates unique home and giftware using concrete and Jesmonite, which is stocked to other shops and makers markets locally, nationally and internationally.
Katy, born and bred in Lancashire, left her teaching career last year to concentrate on her creative business. She has been fulfilling custom orders of bespoke, made to measure furniture and homeware to order from her workshop at home for a couple of years.
She is passionate about repurposing and recycling old furniture and using reclaimed timber to create new pieces.
For more details please follow the Urban Attic Facebook page here or follow urban.attic.southport on Instagram here.
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