ONE of York's best known shops has closed after 57 years.

Monkbar second-hand store Bulmers and its sister shop Blossom & Walker closed on Saturday, with staff saying the decision was to "prioritise our families"

Bulmers announced the news on its Facebook page last night:

 

“SO LONG, FAREWELL, AUF WIEDERSEHEN, GOOD NIGHT”After much deliberation, we have taken the joint personal decision that...

Posted by Bulmers, York on Sunday, January 31, 2016

The shop opened for the first time on April 1, 1959, in Lord Mayor's Walk, and later spread to the shop on the corner beside Monk Bar.

It was long respected as one of York's most versatile shops, selling fishing equipment, watches, guitars, golf clubs, musical instruments, records, and an array of second-hand goods.

Mick Bulmer set up the shop with his brother John in the 1950s. In 2009, when the shop marked its 50th anniversary, he told The Press it had been “a hobby, not a job”.

York Press:

Mick, pictured above, said then: “When we started out, we never looked at being here for 50 years – we just did it to enjoy ourselves and make a trade for ourselves."

York Press:

Bulmers pictured in 1979

Mick's wife Anita was in charge of the office work at the family firm, and their daughter Jo-Anne Helliwell ran the neighbouring Blossom & Walker boutique and gift shop.

Bulmers becomes the third long-running York shop in the past six weeks to announce its closure.

In December, Macdonalds furniture store in Fossgate announced it was to close after 68 years in business. 

Then in January, Mulberry Hall in Stonegate announced it too was to close, after around 60 years.

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Bulmers and Blossom & Walker issued a joint press statement.

It said: "After much deliberation, we have taken the joint personal decision that now is the appropriate time to close our 57 year old business, in order to prioritise our families.

"We would like to thank our staff – old and new – who have been very supportive at this time and over the years and of course, our amazing customers (a lot of which we are proud to call our friends) for all their loyalty, support and memories.

"For any customer queries, please do not hesitate to contact us on 01904 654461 or email bulmerssellingservice@hotmail.co.uk

“IT’S THE END OF AN ERA, BUT WE HAD A BLAST!”

 

Thank you

 

John Bulmer

Joanne Helliwell