WORKING alone and rising costs have prompted vintage furniture restorer and upholsterer Helen Gray to close her Barnard Castle shop after eight years.
Ruby and D, two storeys of eclectic vintage, antiques, unique painted and upholstered items, opposite the Market Cross, will close at the end of the month.
However, Ms Gray said it was not the end as she intends to continue selling items online keeping customers updated through Instagram and Facebook.
She said: “I just don’t want to be here all the time. It is lonely working on your own and the with the cost fuel and stock going up, I just fancied a change.”
Ms Gray initially started her business with a stall at the Hayloft, in Horsemarket, before moving into the two-storey premises on Amen Corner eight years ago.
She added: “I have had some lovely customers over the years, a lot who have been repeat customers. I am going to take stock and see what comes along. I might do a pop-up shop every so often if I can find somewhere suitable.”
