Popular Northern Quarter shop Oklahoma is to close after 25 years, it has been announced.
Founder Nicola Payne confirmed the news on social media this morning and said the brand will continue online. The shop in High Street first opened in 1997 and sold handmade jewellery, home and kitchenware items as well as, retro tin toys and stationery, books, wrap and cards.
The shop's final day will be Tuesday, January 31.
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In a statement, Nicola Payne said: "After 25 years of being a shop keeper, I've decided to close the physical store in Manchester's Northern Quarter and Oklahoma will focus all its energy on its online offering.
"The last three years have been ones of upheaval and change for Oklahoma with Covid bringing many problems and opportunities. Mainly it made me focus on our online offering which was exciting for me and allowed time for new creative focus and ideas.
"As a result, we were able to reach lots of new customers all over the UK and aboard and share a little of the Oklahoma magic.
"Since the bricks and mortar shop reopened I have been juggling two businesses and now feels like the perfect time to close our physical shop and focus all my energy on our website offering, exciting new products and collaborations.
"At 52 years of age I hope to also find more time to garden, travel, take up yoga again, relax with friends and family and to get a bit of well deserved head space. Having a physical shop has been an absolute blast and has brought me so much joy.
"As those who have followed our journey will know, it's had so many different guises over so many years. It's been a pleasure working with so many beloved staff members, many of whom I'm still in regular contact with all over the world.
"And of course, big love to all you wonderful customers who have visited the shop over the years. I am excited about this next step for me, and for the business.
"I can't wait to bottle all the best colourful bits of Oklahoma and continue to showcase with all the great finds on okla.co.uk."
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