Cherished Harrogate independent toy shop set to close this month

One of Harrogate's most loved toy shops could be set to disappear from Cold Bath Road.
Simone Abel with eight-year-old customer Edith Coomer (s)Simone Abel with eight-year-old customer Edith Coomer (s)
Simone Abel with eight-year-old customer Edith Coomer (s)

Cold Bath Toy Shop has become a staple of Harrogate’s independent scene over the last six years, selling a range of toys and games for children.

However, last week the owners informed saddened customers that they would not be renewing their lease and the shop would be closing on June 23 unless new owners could be found by then.

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Simone Abel launched Cold Bath Toy Shop six years ago and said feedback from customers during this time has been ‘incredible’. But, she said she felt the time was right to move on to a new challenge.

She said: “I just want to say how fantastic all my customers have been and I could not have done it without them.

“It’s mixed emotions because of course I’m excited for what the future holds. But it’s very upsetting when children in the shop come up to me and ask why we’re closing.

“I’ll also really miss Cold Bath Road. The local community here is fantastic and the whole place has got an amazing feel to it. I’m going to have to get a part time job on the road to stay involved.”

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The Harrogate Advertiser recently featured Cold Bath Road as part of our ‘Love our Indies’ campaign and Simone believes, even if the toy shop closes, there will always be a place for the independents.

She said: “You hear about how shopping has gone online but you still get people looking at your products in store that they would never have searched for them online.

“There’s an amazing feeling of holding something in your hands that you can’t get online.”

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