Dublin’s dolls hospital and teddy bears clinic, the DollStore, to close – VIDEO

Rising costs means popular store must close

The DollStore, Dublin’s dolls hospital and teddy bears clinic, will close its doors for the last time today, due to rising costs.

Since the 1930s, the well-known store has been located on the bustling George’s street in the heart of the capital, offering repair and specialty services to toys.

Melissa Nolan, who was trained as a doll maker, has been the owner for 28-years, but says rising costs mean it is impossible to keep the premises open. Since announcing their closure, the dolls hospital has received a deluge of messages from well wishers and supporters.
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“The business is actually very strong and we’re doing well, but rents and rates are climbing and will send us into debt if we don’t close,” she told the Irish Times.

The store not only repaired dolls and teddy bears but also created custom dolls’ houses based on clients’ homes, complete with matching replica furniture.

Melissa and her husband, Chris, are hopeful that a more affordable location may become available.

“Nothing’s materialised yet. We have about eight [offers] at the minute; more came in today we didn’t have a look at. We haven’t had time. We made a few appointments for next week to see if there’s anything,” Chris told the Irish Times.

“We have a definite feeling, of course, that nobody wants us to leave. It’s very heartening,” he said.

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Nster.com