Avacardo card shop in Southport holds closing down sale as family says farewell after 47 years

By Sophie Swain Stand Up For Southport 

A Southport family-run business is closing its doors this Saturday (29th June 2024) after 47 years in trade.

Avacardo, a card and gift shop based in Ainsdale Village, has decided to close its doors due to lack of footfall in the village.

Jason Keen, the second generation who has managed the business since 1995, said: “After Covid, we noticed a change.

“It’s not the best and ideally we would’ve liked to pass it on to the third generation so the shop would stay in the family.”

As well as lack of footfall, the Cost of Living Crisis, Royal Mail strikes and stamp prices rising have all had a knock-on effect.

“We noticed a change last Christmas, people decided not to send cards.”

Jason’s parents, Jean and Trevor Keen, started the business 47 years ago where they used to have concessions and a market stall in Kirkby.

He used to help from the age of 12, describing his memories as ‘good times’. Jason went on to study at college and then eventually took over when he was around 25 years old.

The shop sold greeting cards, gifts and balloons, seeing a loyal base of customers come in regularly.

“Thank you to all our lovely customers who have continued to support us over the years, in fact, nearly half a century.”

Jason, the only worker in the shop after being forced to let others go after COVID-19, plans to look for a new job in a totally different industry.

He is encouraging others to support independent businesses and shop locally.

Avacardo is having a huge closing down sale, with 50% of everything to get rid of stock. .

To find out more, visit their Facebook page.

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