Popular Sheffield city centre vintage shop announces it has now closed for good

While many other clothing companies are outlining their social distancing plans as non-essential shops are allowed to reopen for the first time since the lockdown on June 15, one much-loved Sheffield independent has announced their closure.

Syd & Mallory's Emporium, which pride themselves on producing Sheffield made, independent clothing, first opened their doors on Devonshire Street in 2006.

The popular city centre retailer broke the news about their decision to shut up shop, partly due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, on social media.

One of Syd and Mallory’s Emporium’s joint owners, Kirsteen Hardie said in an Instagram post: “We had already talked about bowing out this year at some point and Covid has just pushed that to happen sooner.

“The last year has been a real struggle in retail, even before this last few crazy months.

“We’re tired. It’s made us both ill at points, and that’s when you know it’s time to call it quits.”

The independent garment maker will be giving customers the chance to buy one-off pieces in flash sales on social media, as well as unused fabric and sewing equipment.

Kirsteen continued: “We never thought we’d have to make this decision.

“But the pressure and stress of balancing the books and trying to stay creative and excited by it all has started taking its toll on us both.

“Lucy and I have decided together we need to let it go.

“It’s been one of the most difficult and saddening decisions of my life.

“I dunno (sic) what I will be without it.

“I’m terrified but I know it’s the best decision.

“I’d like to thank each and every one of my friends and customers for supporting us and I just hope we’ve inspired you all to do it yourselves.

“I’m more than happy to offer support and advice for anyone in the future.”

One customer replied to the post, saying: “It’s always been my favourite shop, so sad to hear – good luck with whatever you guys move onto next and thank you for all the great clothes and memories.”