A BELOVED Worcester toy shop has been stripped bare as the owners head off for retirement and the building is put on the market.

The sale comes after the owners of Wise Owl Toys, Mark and Heather Stewart, decided to close the shop and enjoy their retirement before the pandemic in February.

The shop, in Charles Street, has provided fun and educational toys and games to Worcester children for twenty years.

Mr and Mrs Stewart, both 63, handed over the keys to the estate agency yesterday and described seeing the store without its well-known sign and logo as an "emotional rollercoaster."

Long time customer, Alix Haywood said: “Well done to them for all of the great advice on toys and left-handed writing support.

"Our girls used to spend their birthday money on play mobile when they were young. Shame it’s going but good luck.”

Nigel Fox said: “Great shop bought many of my god son’s toys from there. Very friendly staff. End of an era.”

The couple previously told the Worcester News: “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."

They added that it was "a wrench to say goodbye."

The building in Charles street is now up for sale. For more information on the city centre property contact Andrew Grant.