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One of Harrogate's most-loved independent shops has announced it will close and launched a sale to clear its remaining stock. First opened in 2011, Butterfly Kisses at 37 Oxford Street, Harrogate, has been a top choice for locals and visitors seeking out high-quality gifts, including homeware, greeting cards and jewellery.

Since its launch, it has stood out for stocking product names such as Joma, Maileg, East of India, Mary Meyer, Emma Bridgwater, FDS and and more. However, a sign has now appeared on its shop window, saying: "Closing down - everything must go". Beneath the heartbreaking message reads: "Thank you for your love and support". Butterfly Kisses - which has a Google Review rating of 4.3 stars out of five - is closed on Mondays but will open Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 5pm and Saturday from 9.30am to 5.30pm while stock lasts.

Harrogate is a premier North Yorkshire spa town, renowned for its Victorian elegance, therapeutic mineral waters and 200 acres of open green space, known as The Stray. Famous for its 19th-century spa heritage, it offers modern luxury, including the historic Turkish Baths, located in the Royal Baths, and top-tier spa hotels, combined with high-end shopping and famous afternoon teas.

The Express contacted Butterfly Kisses for comment and its owner, Alia Rana, said: "It is with a heavy heart that we have made the decision to close the doors of Butterfly Kisses in Harrogate.

"Like many independent businesses across the UK, we have felt the growing impact of the current economic climate and cost of living crisis over the past year, as changes in consumer spending have continued to affect high streets and shopping towns nationwide.

"Despite our best efforts to diversify our offering and adapt to the challenges facing independent retail, rising operating costs have had an impact on our business. The largest pressure has come from business rates, and we are deeply disappointed that our appeal to the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) was unsuccessful.

"We believe our closure should serve as a wake-up call to both local and central government. Independent businesses like Butterfly Kisses are at the very heart of towns like Harrogate, helping to create vibrant, unique shopping destinations and supporting local communities.

"We put our heart and souls in to our small businesses. We are incredibly proud of everything Butterfly Kisses has become, and that is thanks in no small part to our amazing staff and the loyal customers who have supported us throughout the years. We would like to sincerely thank everyone for the love, kindness and support they have shown us.

"While our Harrogate store is closing, customers will still be able to shop all of our current ranges at our Leeds store in LS27. Further information can also be found on our Instagram page, @butterflykisses.harrogate."