Bristol customers of the historic family-run drapers Shaws have taken to social media to commiserate after it was revealed that the chain would be entering voluntary liquidation. The company operated a total of 28 stores across South West England, Wales and the midlands, including locations in Kingswood, Yate and Fishponds.
The chain, which dates back more than 100 years, is understood to employ around 150 people. Staff reported being told in an email this week that after an 'extremely challenging' year, the business would go into voluntary liquidation and employees would be let go.
It follows reports that Shaws branches had been selling stock at bargain prices and that some branches had 'unexpectedly' closed. Sale signs remain in the windows of the Bristol branches but the shutters are down and the shelves are bare.
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Bristolians quickly took to social media to express their disappointment about the closures. One shopper who used the Kingswood branch wrote on Facebook, “That's a real shame, especially for the staff, of course. It was an old-fashioned shop in that you were served by staff who knew their stock and who genuinely helped you find exactly what you needed.” Another user also praised the shop assistants saying, “Very sad, such a useful shop with super staff.”
Many people wrote about feeling “gutted” by the loss of Shaws on the high street, with one person writing, “So sad. All the good old shops are closing,” while a second replied, "Wow! Another example of if we don't use it, we lose it to the internet”. One Facebook user commented on how nostalgic the shop was for them, writing, “My mum had a shop selling the same stuff when I was little, and it smelled exactly the same. I will miss it and all the useful, necessary things.”
Shaws was originally formed in Cardiff in 1912 and has been a mainstay across South West England with locations including Bristol, Bath, Exeter and Swindon. Branded online and at some stores as Shawsdirect.com, it sold soft furnishings as well as craft equipment, including wool and yarn.
Screenshots of the email apparently sent to staff after Christmas have been shared on social media, Wales Online reports, in which the owner Philip Shaw told staff: "You will recall from our letter to you earlier this month that trading has been extremely challenging this year and we'd hoped in the New Year to discuss some significant changes to the business with you, in the hope that we could create a business capable of being profitable in 2023.
"Over the course of the last week, we have reached a conclusion that the business is no longer viable, and we are about to place the company into voluntary liquidation. This will result in the closure of the business and, sadly the end of your employment."
Mr Shaw, 57, continued: "I hope that you will understand that after 100 years of trading, this hasn't been an easy decision for us to make, and we fully appreciate the consequences for you, but the business simply is not viable and we cannot see a way of making it so. Thank you for your loyal service and support and we wish you every success for the future."
The insolvency company Stones & Co of Swansea has confirmed that it has been instructed to assist the directors of Shaws as it proceeds with voluntary liquidation. The company officially ceased trading on December 23, 2022, and liquidators understand that former employees have been paid their outstanding wages and holiday pay.
A spokesperson for Stones & Co said: "Stones & Co Insolvency Practitioners Limited t/a Stones & Co, Swansea, have been instructed today (December 27) by the Directors of Shaws (Cardiff) Limited to assist them in placing the Company into Creditors' Voluntary Liquidation. A member's meeting under the deemed consent procedure will be held on 10th January 2023 at which resolutions will be passed to wind up the Company voluntarily and to appoint Gareth Stones MIPA as Liquidator of the Company."
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