"WEAK local trading" is the reason behind a Salisbury toy shop closing at the end of the year.

After calling Blue Boar Row its home for 25 years, The Entertainer will be closing its doors for good on New Year's Eve.

This is due to "a sustained period of weak local trading".

As part of the store's closure announcement, group CEO Mark Campbell praised the Salisbury team for being "dedicated and hard working", adding the staff will be redeployed "to alternative suitable roles where possible".

Mr Campbell said: “We are very sorry to announce the closure of our Salisbury store which will cease trading on New Year’s Eve due to a sustained period of weak local trading.

"The Entertainer has been trading in Salisbury since 1996 and has been part of our journey for 25 years.

"We are incredibly proud of the Salisbury store team, who are dedicated and hardworking and are looking to redeploy them to alternative suitable roles where possible."

Following the closure, the nearest Entertainer stores will be Eastleigh, Winchester and Bournemouth.

The CEO added: "We would also like to thank our customers for their support over the last 25 years."

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