A craft and gift shop in Preston city centre is due to close this Christmas.

Louise Hughes, who runs Creations Gifts and Crafts on Cannon Street, has decided to retire and close the business.

She opened the shop in September 2022 with the aim of supporting local makers and independent artists in the city.

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Louise began working in retail in 2019 and set up Creations after seeing a gap in the market. She stocks everything from keyrings, purses, bracelets to decorations.

She said: “I’m ready for a break, and with a big birthday around the corner I decided to retire and close the business.

“Preston BID have been a huge support throughout my time here, they’re great at supporting independent shops and businesses like mine.”

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The thing she’ll miss the most is the other shop owners on Cannon Street.

“The vibe in the street is really good. In Summer we all sit outside on the front and have a chat.

“A lot of them have said they don’t know what they’re going to do without me, I think they’re sad to see me go.

“I’m going to miss them, nobody is the same on the street, we’ve all got our own uniqueness. I’ll definitely come and visit when I can.”

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Being situated down a side street, Louise says business can sometimes be a bit quiet, but she has a regular group of customers who she’ll miss.

“I love meeting new people and different people. The people that come in are amazing.

“One of my regular customers who comes in two or three times a year is from America.”

Louise plans to travel around the country with her new spare time and visit places she has never before. She is even thinking about getting a camper van or trying car camping.

Creations Gifts and Crafts will close around Christmas and there is a 30 per cent sale on all stock – Louise says everything must go.

The shop is open Tuesday to Thursday 9:30am until 4pm and Friday to Saturday 9:30am until 5pm.

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