A much loved high street store that once had 14 stores has announced that another shop will soon close for good. Cornish staple Ann’s Cottage has been serving customers across the country for over 40 years.
The surf and lifestyle company that has grown from humble beginnings into one of the largest surf and outdoor retailers in Europe, becoming a household name for many people in Cornwall in particular. The very first store opened in 1978 and in 2003 their second store in Wadebridge opened, sparking a network of stores. However, one of their stores will close in just a matter of weeks.
Ann’s Cottage in Falmouth will soon wave goodbye to the seaside town with a sign on its door, revealing it will shut for good on November 9.
The popular homegrown surf and lifestyle chain noted this “isn’t goodbye” but “see you soon”, adding that its nearest alternative store will be in Truro.
The sign on the shop in Church Street, Falmouth, reads: “After many wonderful years, we’re sadly closing our Falmouth store on 9th November. We want to express our deepest gratitude to all our amazing customers for their loyalty and support over the years.
“It’s been a privilege to be part of this community, and we’re especially thankful to our fabulous Falmouth team for all their dedication and hard work.”
The sign continues: “You can still shop with us any time online at annscottage.com or at your closest store in Truro. This isn’t goodbye, just a see you soon.”
This closure comes just months after the chain shut its branch in Wadebridge after 20 years. It means the popular retailer has just seven remaining stores across Cornwall, including Newquay, Polzeath, Padstow, St Columb, Truro and Bude.
The company’s name came from the building it was housed in, and soon became integral with Cornish culture. The shop sells a range of surfing and watersports-related items, including wetsuits, jackets, surfboard accessories and changing robes.
Ann’s Cottage continues to also have a strong online presence and remains a family-run business.