A West Yorkshire cafe chain that has been in business for 60 years has announced its has closed its doors.
Merrie England, which has branches in Huddersfield, Halifax and Brighouse, said the closure was due to a combination of rising costs, falling footfall and reduced customer spending.
Founded in 1966, the company said it had been an “incredibly difficult decision” and that “we are truly grateful to have been part of the community for so long”.
In a separate post on its Facebook site, Merrie England said its “thoughts are especially with the teams across our seven shops who have lost their jobs”.
In a statement on its website, the company said the decision to close had been reached “after facing a sustained increase in the cost of goods, business rates, energy costs, and the wider rising costs associated with staffing and government policy”.
It added: “Alongside these pressures, we have also seen a reduction in footfall and customer spending, with many people understandably unable or unwilling to pay the prices that businesses now need to charge in order to survive.
“After 60 years of serving our customers, we want to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported us over the decades.
“Your loyalty, kindness, and custom have meant so much to us, and we are truly grateful to have been part of the community for so long.”
