It is one of those shops that is part of the fabric of the city. Londons of York seems to have been there forever – but sad to report it will close for good next month.
Londons, found on the corner of Hawthorn Grove and Mill Lane, Heworth, sells newspapers, magazines, stationery, greetings cards and more on the ground floor, and toys upstairs.
It will shut on Saturday, February 28, 2015.
A notice on the window from owner Ian Simpson says the shop closure is “due to the current economic climate and recent market trends over the last five years”.
The note also expresses the gratitude of both Ian and Derek London to the customers over many years:
– Ian Simpson
The shop will trade as normal up until closure. After that newspaper deliveries “will be unaffected” with more details to follow.
In the meantime, Londons is holding a closing down sale. It is offering 50% off greeting cards, stationery, toys and household goods whilst stocks last.
Dismay at the news
Londons has served generations of York families, and employed many local people – not to mention scores of paper boys and girls.
The news that this landmark shop would disappear has sparked dismay on Facebook.
But then it is up to these businesses to move with the times and get an internet shop on board too so at least people can order online if they can’t get there.
Wonder will the building be turned into somewhere else to eat.