A POPULAR toyshop will close after its owners said they were retiring.

Heather and Mark Stewart, both 63, said they felt emotional to be closing Wise Owl Toys after more than 25 years in the business.

The couple said: “It is bittersweet, we are not getting any younger and have decided to retire so that we can focus on enjoying ourselves and spending time with our family. Working six days a week every week is quite the challenge and we want to slow down a bit now.

“However, the shop has been like our baby, it’s been an absolute blast. We have some fantastic customers, we love talking to people and seeing the children coming in and choosing the toys. The response we have had from our customers on Facebook has been overwhelming, we are so very humbled, we would like to invite anyone to come into the store to say goodbye, we are not planning to shut until April. It will be a wrench to say goodbye, we have had such amazing staff and customers around us throughout the years.”

for the shop flooded in on Facebook from people who were saddened to see the shop closing.

Rebecca Davidge said: “Still a shock, but totally understandable! So pleased that you have decided to retire and I hope you have exciting adventures planned. End of an era for an amazing shop, thanks for all your done to bring great toys and games to Worcester!”

Lauren Ali said: “Both of my children have had much fun at your shop and have some lovely treasures.You have made so many children smile.”

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Kevin Rolph said: “Sorry to see the shop go but congratulations on proving that a real toy shop is still viable with the right quality of service, and all the very best for the future.”

The couple are looking forward to their retirement but have will still be continuing their Left n Write website, which sells left-handed items. Mrs Stewart said: “ I can’t relinquish it all just yet, the left hand venture is my baby, it has been thriving for over 25 years. The website will still be continuing and we are hoping to find a venue so that we can continue our left hand writing workshops. I also have two activity books for younger children set to be published in the coming months. So we have plenty to be getting on with.”

The couple have said they are open to selling Wise Owl Toys, in Charles Street, and are exploring options.