After more than half a century serving the island, The Stationery Store has announced it will close its doors for good in September.

The store, a longtime fixture for school supplies, crafts and educational toys, cited a range of challenges including online shopping, changing customer habits and rising costs.

“It is with mixed emotions that we announce that the Stationery Store will close in early September,” read a statement from parent company Bermuda Press (Holdings) Ltd. “After serving our community for over 50 years, the time has come for us to turn the final page of this incredible chapter.”

While the store saw a boost in business during and after the pandemic, sales have since declined. The team pointed to residents resuming travel and shopping overseas, increased online options, and a drop in Bermuda’s youth population as key factors.

The Stationery Store Plus, the expansion project of The Stationery Store, closed in April.

Jonathan Howes, the chief executive of Bermuda Press (Holdings) Ltd, said: “Closing a business is never easy. A lot of effort has been made to enhance the product offering and marketing over the past five years.

“Unfortunately, competing with overseas companies like Amazon, local residents purchasing overseas when travelling, combined with increasing shipping costs, supply-chain logistics and overall operating costs, for a small retail operation in Bermuda became insurmountable.

“I would like to thank all of our loyal customers for the many years of support. It would also be remiss if we did not acknowledge the staff and management who worked very hard to try and make the business profitable.”

The store will remain open through the busy back-to-school season, offering clearance discounts and special offers.

“We are grateful for the support the store received over the years,” the statement added, “and we hope everyone stops by to take advantage of these savings.”

Office Solutions, which provides sales and support for Canon and Sharp equipment, will not be affected by the closure.

Bermuda Press (Holdings) Ltd is the parent company of The Royal Gazette.