'Emotional' owners of much-loved independent shop in Chorlton precinct announce closure

The owners of a much-loved shop in Chorlton precinct have emotionally announced its closure. The Chorlton Art Market, in the Chorlton Cross shopping centre off Wilbraham Road, announced they were closing their doors for the final time on Sunday (January 14).

It comes as the 1970s shopping centre is due to be demolished ahead of a complete overhaul, being replaced with around 200 new homes and modern retail units. The new plans are due to be submitted for approval early this year.

Sharing a post to Facebook, owner Esme Oxtoby, who has run the store for six years, said the decision to close was 'emotional' as they thanked staff and customers for their support over the years.

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She wrote: "Today is a very emotional day for me, it's the last time I'll open up my little shop, it's been a little over 6 years since myself Mark, Ben and Clare took over the Chorlton Art Market and sure there's been trails, tantrums and a whole lot of hard work but there's also been triumphs, joy and a real sense of achievement."

She continued: "To all our amazing traders past and present thank you all so much for your help and support but mostly for trusting us to sell all your amazing creations and making our shop such a unique and vibrant destination. Lastly but by no means least, I'd like to thank all our lovely customers without you we'd never have got this far and so many of you have been in to offer words of support and consolation you really are the best."

The store, an independent retailer selling the art and crafts of local creatives, announced it had closed for the final time on Sunday (January 14). The news was met with an outpouring of support on