On Saturday the 10th of September 2022, Colemans stationery shop on Oakham High Street closed its doors for the last time, the store one of many across the country that have reached "the end of the road" after struggling through the Covid-19 pandemic.

The chain had traded for 53 years and was a necessity for students, artists, shoppers and its staff in Rutland.

Despite nationwide closures of the stationery store chain, there is still a Colemans store open in Oundle, approximately a 40 minute drive from Oakham.

Upon the announcement of their closure, the Colemans team remarked that the company did not fall into administration, but that after 53 years of trading, the business has simply reached "the end of the road".

This shop joins the range of stores that have closed in Oakham in recent years, including but not limited to the Oakham Market Place Chinese restaurant, Lloyds Bank, and Rutland Toy store, which has been vacated for over three years.

Will these shops remain empty?

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