A County Durham business with two stores in the region has closed its doors after going into liquidation. 

For nearly 30 years, the Occasions shops in Newton Aycliffe and Spennymoor have been selling cards and gifts to people in both locations - and building themselves as a pillar of the community.

Despite Occasions being a family-run venture, the company put out an emotional statement on Monday (January 9) - addressing the future of the store, revealing that "it has become impossible to keep the ship afloat". 

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The store closes with immediate effect - with the family behind the venture, the Wilkinsons sending loyal customers a heartfelt thank you on social media.

In a statement, Occasions said: "Last goodbye from Occasions. Unfortunately, we have some bad news to share with you all. We have this morning ceased trading at both shops for good.

"This might not come as too much of a surprise to all of you.

"If you’ve been in the shops lately, you’ll have noticed we’ve been pretty quiet for a while now.

"After lockdowns, rising costs, inflation affecting everyone and lack of support for small businesses (not to mention the devastating redevelopment works in Spennymoor) it has become impossible to keep the ship afloat.

"We’ve kept going for as long as we can, but, unfortunately, we just can’t do it any more.

"So, it’s with great sadness that we have closed our doors for good."

The statement goes on to thank all of the customers who have bought from the shop for the last three decades, with the owners saying they will "miss" the people that made the shop so great.

It also goes on to highlight that staff attended a liquidation meeting to decide the future of the business.

The statement added: "It has been hard work. As a matter of fact, it’s been like pulling teeth at times, especially more recently, but, it’s been a blast and our livelihood and a home to our family and lovely staff for as long as our three lads can remember.

"To everyone who has worked with us, thanks for your help and support with the business.

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"You know who you are and you’ve been amazing.

"So, thanks again to every one of you, we’re sure we’ll see you around in Aycliffe and Spennymoor, but we’ll just be visiting instead of working now.

"That’s it, Occasions signing off. Good luck to all the other small businesses in both towns, we hope you all make it through these trying times and we’ll be in to support you as much as we can."