3 hours Ago By [email protected] (Lois McCarthy)
Four businesses will have left Cardiff's iconic arcades by the end of this weekend. Known for their unique blend of independent shops and cosy coffee spots, the arcades will be looking for some new tenants as a result. In a double blow for the Royal Arcade, JoJo Maman Bébé and it's neighbouring store, Sobeys, have confirmed they will close on March 15 and 16, respectively.
JoJo Maman Bébé, a well-loved maternity and nursery retailer, has been a staple of Cardiff since 2010, and is the company's flagship store. Its closure marks the end of the brand's physical presence in Wales. The store's final trading day will be Saturday, March 15.
As stock gradually disappears from the shelves, the once-bustling shop is becoming emptier. A farewell sign in the window expresses gratitude to its customers: "We'd like to thank our incredible team and our many loyal customers who have supported us throughout the years. We hope you can continue to visit us at your nearest local stores in Bath, Bristol and Stroud or shop online.
With love, JoJo x" Keeley Jenkins, a long-serving member of staff, reflected on the closure with sadness. Having worked for JoJo Maman Bébé for 12 years - both in its former St David's Centre location and later in the Royal Arcade - she shared her disappointment. Never miss a Cardiff story by signing up to our daily newsletter here "It is really sad," Keeley told WalesOnline.
. "There are about five of us who work here and we are a tightknit team. As the flagship store, we have people travelling all the way from North Wales to shop here.
We have gained regulars over the years, we used to have a colouring table here where children used to come in and colour on. Their parents have come in since and shown us how they have grown - it has been a really special and personal experience." Next door, Sobeys - a popular vintage store - is also closing.
Since opening in the Royal Arcade back in 2018, Sobeys has become the go to destination for lovers of sustainable and unique fashion. However, much like JoJo Mamam Bébé, the shop is becoming bare as it prepares to close its doors for good. Sobeys has confirmed its last day will be Sunday, March 16, with its closest store now located in Park Street, Bristol.
Ahead of the closure, a spokesperson from Sobeys said: "We have LOVED Sobeys being in Cardiff, and have been here for nearly nine years! However, we are now scaling Sobeys down so that we can enjoy spending more time together as a family, and make plans to travel the world in the near future! We want to thank all of our wonderful customers for their support, we will miss you." The closure of Sobeys and JoJo Maman Bébé, follow the departure of Keep the Faith Self Care Studio, which relocated from the Royal Arcade to a new site in Duke Street, Cardiff. The barbers and tattoo studio shut down two weeks ago, leaving another vacant place in one of Cardiff's top arcades.
Meanwhile, Tegannau Albatros Toys, a Welsh toy store in the Morgan Arcade is also set to close in the coming weeks, though an exact date has not been confirmed..
