January 6, 2020 4.56 pm This story is over 50 months old

Lincoln collectable bear shop closes after eight years

The shop is the first retail casualty of 2020

A collectable bear shop in Lincoln has closed its doors for the final time after eight years in the city.

Stonebow Bears, on Guildhall Street, cleared the shelves after the shop’s last day of trading on Saturday, January 4.

The shop stocked Charlie Bears, Steiff Bears, Merrythought and Kosen with some of the bears selling for over £200.

Maria Hingley.

Maria Hingley opened Stonebow Bears “out of genuine” love but has now decided to step back to spend more time with her family and friends.

She said: “The lease is now coming to an end and regrettably with a heavy heart, I have decided to call it a day and close the shop.

Stonebow Bears is now closed and the unit is up for let. Photo: Connor Creaghan for The Lincolnite

“I would just like to say I’ve had a blast and met some amazing customers, but the decision to spend more time with my family, friends and for myself is now a priority.

“Thank you to all of you who have visited our shop over the last 8 years or shopped online or just commented on the perfect ‘bear face’ picture.”

The unit is now available for £12,500 per year through Banks Long & Co.

Stonebow Bears is keeping its Facebook page and website running over January to sell the bears at a reduced price.