A beloved high-street shop will close its doors after 20 years in business, coming as a “huge loss” to loyal customers. Simply Baby in Lancaster announced on Wednesday it will shut its doors forever at the end of March, reflecting a wider trend across the high street.

Devoted customers expressed their disappointment and gratitude, with many sharing stories of how the owner Julie had personally helped them in parenthood, highlighting the value of the high street experience. One replied to the announcement: “You saved me when I had a newborn and discovered the pram I’d bought didn’t fit in my car, it was the absolute last straw for an overwhelmed new mum. 18 years ago now and I still remember the relief of you turning up at my door delivering the replacement, you were so encouraging and made me feel like I would actually be able to manage things. You will be missed!”

In a post on Facebook, the shop said: “We would like to announce that we have taken the decision to close our doors at Simply Baby Lancaster, and we will be going into retirement at the end of March.

“We would like to take the opportunity to thank all our loyal customers, both past and present over the last 20 years as the Simply Baby team have loved serving you, and we can 100 per cent reassure our customers that all current orders will be fulfilled, and any outstanding customer service issues will be dealt with.”

The high street retail sector is being squeezed from all angles, with reduced customer spending due to the cost of living, increased running costs with higher energy bills, a move to online shopping, and now the British Retail Consortium has predicted the National Insurance Contribution hike will cost the sector £2.3billion.

Paul Cusimano from Totally Local Lancaster, a group supporting city businesses, told North Lancashire’s Beyond Radio it was a “huge loss for Lancaster, parents and prospective parents”.

“For many years now, they have been the only baby shop in Lancaster, but that didn’t matter, because they were the best! We want to thank Julie, whilst wishing her team all the best in their futures.”

Yesterday Simply Baby opened its doors into the evening to kick off its sale, with discounts on ex-display and full-boxed stock, including prams, car seats, furniture and accessories.