A legendary florist is to permanently close as redevelopment begins on the former Debenhams store.
Flourish, which has been located on Tib Street in the Northern Quarter for eight years, has announced today that they have to close the shop so building work can commence on one of Manchester city centre's most iconic buildings.
Making the sad announcement on Instagram, a statement read that they were close to moving into a new shop nearby but the deal fell through and now have to ‘reluctantly’ close the store ‘for good’.
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The flower and plant selling store is planning a move to Deansgate Square, and has said they are looking into a ‘new online concept’.
But, their sad departure from the city centre saw hundreds of people commenting on the loss of the independent business.
One commenter said: “That’s so sad, you really brighten up Tib Street and your flowers are amazing.”
Another person said: “Ahhh such a shame, love walking past each day! Good luck with the new chapter.”
Another user wrote: “So sooo sad seeing so many great local independent businesses closing. Glad your Deansgate shop is staying! Sending love to you all.” And another said: “Nooo!! I’m gutted. What a shame and a loss to the area that the other premises fell through.”
This comes after a warning was issued to the developers of the building who stand accused of 'letting the city down'.
The full statement, which was posted alongside pictures of the iconic shop, read: “The Tib Street chapter of Flourish is to come to an end after 8 years.
“I think it’s time we fill you all in. Our Tib Street store is going to be closing on 21st January (week on Saturday). As this store is part of the Rylands Building, we have to close the shop so building work can commence and the redevelopment can begin.
“We were really close to agreeing a move into a new shop very close by, but that deal has fallen through which means the store reluctantly has to close for good. The eight years we have been on Tib Street have been amazing and it has without doubt been the foundation to where we are today.
“We have a lot of exciting plans for our new Deansgate Square store, we’re wanting to make this the centre of Manchester’s green community. We’ve also been working on a new online concept and it’s coming very soon. Your flower and plant fix for the value you love and free delivery!
“I really do want to thank everyone who has shopped with us at Tib Street. You’ve helped us build this business. Who would have thought 10 years ago when I started on the small stall in St Ann’s Square, that we would have been supported to establish Flourish into what it is today. So a massive thanks for your amazing support throughout.
“I want to thank all the staff that have worked here over the years. You all put up with a lot of s*** (literally) working on Tib Street so thank you.
“On a side note I really hope that these new developments happening in the Northern Quarter retain their history and not destroy its uniqueness. Outdoor street selling and market stalls are part of its renowned past and what the whole area was built upon.
“The powers that be might not make the money from us small guys selling on the street, but you risk selling the soul of what made this place different.”
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