A much-loved York shop is to close after “a very difficult trading period”.
But it doesn’t mean the end of the business – as the store moves online only.
Dog & Bone has been selling a range of vintage and retro fashion and gifts on the York high street for 13 years.
The business was founded by Nic Barker “from a bedroom in Leeds” in 2005. He opened his original York store on Gillygate in 2013, before moving to Castlegate a decade ago.
It has a reputation for sourcing classic vintage pieces for men and women from the 1940s on.
But now the shop will close on 30 June.
In a post online, Nic said he’d taken the decision “with great sadness” – but had been left with little choice.
“A big thank you to our amazing landlords at Rustique who have been so incredibly supportive during what has been a very difficult trading period in the store.
“Unfortunately retail is tough on the high street these days, as people increasingly move online to buy their goods.
“I have loved having a physical space to sell our wares, but like so many other retail outlets, the decrease in trade because of online shopping has simply made the in store experience impossible.”
As the physical shop closes, the business will open a new chapter.
“This isn’t the end though, perhaps almost a blessing – returning to online has meant that I can return to sourcing the kind of vintage I love and believe in, rather than scrambling about trying to find any vintage product that will make us the money to pay our bills,” Nic said.
“Please continue to support us online. We add 250 items a week to the site and would be incredibly grateful for your purchases during a difficult time.”
You can find the online store here.
Dog & Bone’s many loyal customers responded with disappointment but understanding.
“So sad to hear, but from what I see online your selection is one of the best in the country so please do keep going on!” one wrote.
“So sorry read this, it has been a favourite haunt of ours since we were both students (many years ago now!),” another commented.
“But onwards and upwards – enjoy having that weight off your shoulders and the freedom and flexibility it brings.”
It’s the second popular indie business to move out of Castlegate in the last few months.
In January, family-run wine bar Pairings closed its doors for the final time.
But a new venture is coming soon – Café Shiraz is moving in to the former Barry Crux shop on the street.
