Customers’ sadness as Bury wholesaler Card And Party Store closes down
Wholesaler Card And Party Store has collapsed into voluntary administration after 27 years in business – with customers told via Facebook of the closing down sale that ended last week.
The notice of the appointment of administrators for CAPS was filed at Companies House on Saturday, 30 September, with Manubhai Govindbhai Mistry and Hemal Mistry, of Horsfields in Bury, having been appointed as joint administrators on 13 September.
Early in September the CAPS website carried a “temporarily closed” notice with no explanation then, in a Facebook post, the Bury business run by directors Paul and Michelle Wood said the last day of trading was last Monday, 25 September, adding: “It has been a very stressful and upsetting time for us all here at Card And Party Store and it has been a difficult decision to make.
“We just wanted to say that we are so grateful to all our lovely customers who we got to know over the years and who kept us going for so long, we cannot thank you enough.
“We would also like to say a huge thank you to our amazing staff who have been with us for so many years and who were part of our CAPS family.”
The business was well known for its greeting cards, party, floristry, toys, stationery, and balloons offer in its huge warehouse and online where orders were shipped across the UK, Northern Ireland and the Republic.
Previously known as Broomco, CAPS had been run by Michelle and Paul – the brother of Ron Wood, founder of the former Birthdays retail chain – since they became directors in July 1997, and general manager John O’Boyle and buyer Nicolas Brooks were both with the company for 21 years until 2020.
On the Facebook post many loyal customers left messages of sadness and support, including Rosanna Wagstaff, of Cards And Toys in Stockport, who said: “It’s so sad to see CAPS go, was a loyal customer for 27 years – miss our banter.”
And Debra O’Boyle added: “The end of an era – but just look at the lovely comments, Not just a store but a friendly family business. CAPS was so supportive of new businesses and local charities and the staff always went the extra mile to provide the very best service.”
Charity Christmas Cards, which sells through volunteer-run pop-up shops, commented: “We’re really sorry to hear this, CAPS has been very good for us too and the staff have been so helpful and friendly.
Linda Wareing, who runs Picture Cards with Steve, added: “Sorry to hear you’re closing down. Like ourselves you’re part of the fixtures of the card trade.”
For further details, contact the administrators through Kapila Mistry at info@horsfields.com or call 0161 763 3183.
