A beloved shop, that has become well known for beautiful and elaborate Christmas window displays that are "better thank Fenwick's", is to close. 

Tinkers Treasures, an interior design and gift shop on Bishop Auckland's Fore Bondgate, will shut in the new year, owner Laura Hendry has revealed. 

The business, run by Laura and her mum Carol Knight, has been trading for 14 years online and at markets across the region.

Their shop has been an independent high street staple for since 2019, and attracted crowds of hundreds to watch their Christmas window unveiling. 

(Image: Tinkers Treasures)

But falling customer numbers mean that this year's festive display at Tinkers Treasures will be their final one, as they plan to wrap up business in the new year. 

Laura said that redevelopment in the town centre and bus station closure have driven down visitors to the street.

She added: "It's the low footfall that is making us close, to be honest. We have loved being in our home town, and we don't want to close, but we also want to go out on a high note. 

"We thought about relocating - we've tried to think of everything to up numbers - but it's just not feasible.

(Image: Tinkers Treasures)"I could carry on for another year or two, but you need to have something new for people, and keep stock fresh and we wouldn't be able to do that with the money we have."

It is not just low footfall in the town centre that has led to the shop's closure. Laura said being a small business owner takes a vast range of specialist skills- such as managing multiple social media accounts.  

"Social media was a big deal for us during the pandemic, but we just never got on TikTok, and that seems to have had an impact.

"People will see that we have visitors in and not understand why we have to close - to make it as a business now, you have to be doing really, really well.

"We do have wonderful supporters - and I cannot thank customers and the community enough for everything they have done for us. We are really, really grateful for it all."

Tinkers Treasures, Bishop Auckland, reveals Christmas window

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Despite the melancholy note, Laura and Carol are still exited to put on a good show for their last Christmas window. 

"We've been able to be really creative with the front. We'll be holding our traditional preview on Thursday, November 14, from 6.30 onwards. 

"Please come down to Tinkers Treasures to say goodbye and enjoy the final display."