By James Johnson

Last updated at 14:50, Thursday, 05 July 2012

A gift store has decided to shut up shop and operate as an online retail business.

Barry Foster, manager of Piers Christian, confirmed that the Treasury Court shop in Carlisle city centre would cease trading on Saturday, July 14.

Instead it will be rebranding itself as Piers Christian Toy Soldiers and operating as an online shop.

As well as a change of name, the outlet will be focussing on selling different goods. The store was approached and asked to be the exclusive UK retailer of Argentine toy soldier maker Beau Geste.

The South American company have been importing, distributing and retailing military paraphernalia since the early 1980s.

Mr Foster explained that the company was closing its city centre outlet due to an increase in costs.

He said: “Due to the current economic climate it is not feasible to keep this shop open due to increases in running costs such as rent, utilities and products.

“We are a specialist shop and have a great many collectors, but as customers have to tighten their belts and cut back on spending we have found that some aren’t buying as much or as often as before. Footfall in Carlisle has certainly diminished in the last three years.”

The Piers Christian website has been online for a number of years but in that time has been redeveloped regularly.

Operating on the internet means that Piers Christian will be able to reduce their costs and in turn lower the prices of some of their items for customers.

Mr Foster said: “After eight years trading I will close the doors on Saturday, July 14 for the last time, which will be a sad day for me as I really enjoyed working here and have some very good customers who have become friends.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of my customers.”

First published at 11:24, Thursday, 05 July 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk