Cebu craft store closes its doors, calls for continued support of local makers

A craft store that promotes small-scale craft manufacturers in Cebu City has closed its doors after an uphill battle amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

As the owners decide to end operations, they leave a plea for continued support for the local artists whose art works once occupied the store shelves.

"What a journey it has been. After a wonderful 2019, we started the new year full of hope that 2020 would be even better. But then the pandemic struck and Cebu City was hit hard," the Craft Story Cebu owners posted on social media.

"After trying to weather it out a few months, it is with great regret we announce that Craft Story is signing off. ?Thank you so much for the support you have given us and our crafters the past two years," they added.

The Craft Story Cebu is a venue for mostly Cebuano artists such as Happy Garaje, Papersandtschai and The Story Machine. The products the artists displayed  include hand-painted and uniquely designed bookmarks, enamel pins, stationery, notebooks, scented soy candles, stickers and macramé fashion accessories.

The owners, meanwhile, end the store's run with a plea.

"We hope that you will continue to support local makers. Stay home and stay safe!" they said.

The store is one of several stores, restaurants that have closed as the traffic of clients slowed down during COVID-19 quarantine. -- BAP, GMA News