Gift shop owners' anger as they are thrown out of centre store

Paper Jewels will close its doors in June

Paper Jewels in the Carron Centre in Ronades Road will shut in June, despite the owners of the family business trying to secure a long-term deal for the property for the past five years.

Joyce Marshall, who runs the business with husband Gordon and daughter Jillian, said the family is “devastated” at the news and criticised the Co-op for its lack of communication with them.

She said: “We’ve officially been told our lease won’t be renewed and we will have to hand the keys over on June 19 for the last time.

“We knew the lease was going to be up this year and we have been at them to try and renew it for the past four-and-a-half years through our lawyers, but our approaches have been ignored. We did not receive one reply for over two years.

“We have tried everything to keep the shop open but it’s all been to no avail.

“We have nine members of staff in total who will be out of a job and we don’t know why our lease is not being renewed after all these years.

“We are absolutely devastated. This is more than a business for us. Our staff and customers are like family to us and they have been very loyal and supportive to us and we would like to take this opportunity to thank them from the bottom of our hearts for this.”

The Co-operative was contacted for comment but did not respond as the Herald went to press.

Messages of support

Joyce and Gordon Marshall said moving was not a viable option due to their age and the stress of the closure situation they currently find themselves in.

Customers and well-wishers have posted hundreds of messages of support on Paper Jewels Ltd’s Facebook page.

Sandra Cowie said: “I’m absolutely gutted my favourite shop with amazing staff. You are irreplaceable and I have no idea where I will go searching for those different gifts now.”

Lynne Robertson said: “Big big loss of a great wee shop, where customers mattered.”

Jane O’Neill posted: “Devastated, will need to think about presents now, you guys always had something suitable for every occasion.”