High Street hit as another store falls prey to the economic crisis

SHOPPERS have spoken of their disappointment after greeting cards company Birthdays shut its Cheadle store last week.

The branch, based on Cheadle High Street, closed suddenly on Thursday morning.

Birthdays, which has 332 stores employing more than 2000 people, was placed into the hands of administrators earlier this year after its owner, Clinton Cards, said it could no longer support the chain's annual losses of around £7 million.

The Cheadle store, which employed a handful of staff, was among more than 100 nationwide which have closed with the loss of 800 jobs.

Shopper Sandra Bennion, aged 65, from Cheadle, said: "It is a big shame it won't be part of Cheadle's high street anymore.

"Slowly, more and more shops seem to be closing in the town."

Kim Makin, aged 30, from Cheadle, said: "I am really disappointed it has had to close.

"I hope another shop moves into the town to takes its place though, preferably a clothes shop for younger women."

Glenda Barker, aged 66, from Oakamoor, said: "It is very sad they've decided to close the Cheadle shop.

"Things like this don't surprise me any more though, it highlights the state the country is in."

Sarah Woolley, aged 21, from Stoke-on-Trent, said: "It was the first place I went to buy my cards for family and friends, so it is quite sad."

Joint administrators Peter Saville, Alastair Beveridge and Stuart Mackellar confirmed last week that two offers had been accepted for more than 200 stores which will safeguard approximately 1,450 jobs.

Peter Saville, partner at administrators Zolfo Cooper Europe said: "We are delighted to announce that the sale has been completed.

"We would like to thank the employees for all their hard work and commitment during the administration period and wish them all the best for the future as part of Birthdays Retail Limited.

"Securing the future of the business has meant that a number of very difficult decisions had to be made.

"Without being able to secure a buyer for the remaining stores it was not possible for them to continue trading, and this has regrettably led to the loss of a number of jobs from those stores that have closed."

Dave Sargeant, treasurer of Cheadle Business Group and co-owner of Ventus Sports on Cheadle High Street, said it was bad new news when any business closed its doors.

He added: "It would seem that Cheadle has resisted the credit crunch longer than most small towns, let's hope that we are not on the downward curve.

"We need to band together to determine the future for Cheadle High Street, and we already have the forum for this, the Cheadle business group."

The decision to close the Cheadle store is a double blow.

Earlier this month, new motor parts shop Dawson's Auto Supplies in Cross Street closed after just two months.