'Another gem lost': Popular gift shop set to close down after nine years in Northampton town centre

Mooch in St Giles' Street has announced it will close its store ‘early next year’, along with its other stores in Towcester and Olney.

In a Facebook post, the shop wrote: “It is with a very heavy heart that we share the news that our stores in St Giles Street, Olney and Towcester will be closing early next year.

“We have loved being part of these wonderful communities, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported us over the years. Your loyalty, friendship and custom have meant so much to us, and we cannot thank you enough for being part of our journey.

“Between now and our closing dates, we’ll be holding a number of sales as we sell through our remaining stock, so there will be plenty of opportunities to pop in and say goodbye.

“Our Rushden Lakes store will remain open, so there will still be plenty of opportunities for a Mooch.

“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to each and every one of you for supporting us over the years. We will cherish the memories we’ve made together and hope to see many of you at Rushden Lakes in the future.”

Reacting to the news, one customer said: “The store will be missed by so many.”

Another wrote: “Your shop in St Giles Street is my go-to shop for gifts, cards and treats for myself! My house has evidence of my Mooch trips in every room. You will be so missed. Yet another loss to our town centre.”

Another said: “Gutted. When Mooch was fully independent, Giles Street was amazing. Then it started changing inside and not having so many quirky things and cards. Turns out it’s because you got bought out. Such a shame.”

Another added: “Nooo! How sad. St Giles Street is losing another gem.”

Commenting on the Towcester store, another customer said: “I have bought many things from Mooch in Towcester over the time it has been there – gifts for myself and others which have been received with joy. Sad you are closing; it’s a loss to the local community.”

The husband-and-wife founders, Rachel and Paul Roberts, first opened Mooch in St Giles Street in 2017 before expanding the brand to Towcester and later opening their Rushden Lakes location.

In 2021, Cardzone, a large family-owned UK high street retailer specialising in greeting cards, gifts, partyware and seasonal decorations, bought the brand, when it was solely based in Northamptonshire.

In 2023, Cardzone rolled out the brand across the UK, and there are now 18 stores trading under the Mooch name.

Cardzone has been contacted for comment.