A POPULAR shop has announced it will close its doors after revealing it had struggled to recover from the Covid pandemic.

Bosses at the Thoughts card shop, in Main Road, Hockley, announced on social media it was “impossible to continue trading” and issued a heartfelt thank you to their “lovely and loyal” customers for their support.

The announcement sparked an outpouring of sadness on social media, with more than a hundred residents leaving messages of support.

A closing down sale is now being held before the shop closes in a “week of two”.

A spokesman for the shop said: “It is with regret that after 17 years of trading that we will be closing our doors.

“Many factors have led to this, having never really recovered from Covid being one of them. With the addition of the cost of living crisis, we have found it impossible to continue trading.

“Over the years we have had many lovely, supportive, loyal customers who we will miss. But others who did not support us which has a massive impact on a small business.

“Things have changed so much since we first took over. We would like to thank all those who have been coming to us over the many years and will miss your stories and chats.”

They said the changing landscape of the business, which now included Card Factory, Moonpig, and online shopping, all contributed to the store becoming “another retail casualty.”

The business’ final sale will begin on Monday and see it sell its cards, gifts, balloons and seasonal products.

Adrian Eves, councillor for the Hockley ward, said he was disappointed to see the family-run business close.

He said: “It’s very sad, they have very much become a part of the community.

“These are businesses we really need. I think the internet has caused it, retailers like Moonpig.

“It’s sad but unfortunately the way things are going these days.

“I thank them for all their service to the community, I am sorry to see them go.”