'Treasured' community toy shop in Northamptonshire town's high street to close after 13 'magical' years

Jollys Toys of Thrapston opened its doors in May 2013 but owner Charlotte Croser has now announced she will shut the treasure trove – packed full of toys, gifts and games for all ages – after a closing down sale.

Charlotte, who grew up in Northamptonshire, started the shop and has been proud to be a small, independent retailer.

She said: “After 13 magical years, the time has come to say goodbye to Jollys.”

“What a fabulous time we have had. We have all done so well to keep this little toy shop on this little High Street going for so long - our loyal customers, me and my team.

"It has been an absolute joy, and one of the highlights of my life to have created Jollys and achieved all the good that is has brought to so many. I am so very proud of it.”

The shop reopened today (Friday, January 2) with customers clamouring to make the most of the closing down sale offers – 25 per cent off everything, except ‘Tonies’ stock which has been reduced by10 per cent.

Jollys will close its doors for the final time when the great majority of the remaining stock has been sold. Gift cards can be used but will only be valid only until remaining stock has sold out. Gift cards are not redeemable for cash.

Explaining her decision, Charlotte said she had poured my heart and soul into Jollys but that it was ‘time for a rest’ and a ‘change of pace’.

She said: “I'm sad, and I know that many of you will be too. But time moves on, and as the new year dawns it's absolutely the right time for me personally, and for the business to call it a day.

“The world is a different place to when Jollys opened in 2013 - the how, why, where and when we all shop has changed so much, and continues to change at pace.

"The nature of our supply chain is very different to what it was, and rapidly changing in a way that makes it increasingly difficult to maintain what is magical – and sustainable - about Jollys.

“What we achieved at Jollys has way exceeded anything I could have imagined - a treasured community toy shop that has spread joy to so many people across so many miles over such a long time.”

She added: “Thank you to every one of you who has been a part of making Jollys special – the thousands who have shopped with us, supplied and championed us.

"Special thanks must go to the most supportive landlord a shopkeeper could wish for, and of course to my treasured team mates, Lisa and Lucy.”

For more information go to Jollys’ website: https://www.jollystoys.co.uk/q-a.html.