A POPULAR store selling prams, buggies and car seats on the edge of Blackbird Leys and Cowley has unexpectedly closed and gone into liquidation.
The Oxford Pram Centre off Transport Way, which has been running for more than 20 years, announced on Tuesday it had ceased trading after closing its doors last week.
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A statement on the firm's Facebook page read: "It is with great sadness we inform you that The Oxford Pram Centre has ceased trading.
"We would like to take this opportunity to thank our amazing staff, whose knowledge and experience of the industry has been second to none."
All customers who have ordered goods will still receive them. Warranties are still valid with the individual suppliers.
Former sales assistant Shelbie Clementine and colleagues found out they had lost their jobs on Thursday, August 18.
She said: "No one wanted this to happen and all was handled in the best way possible. Sadly sometimes in life things do not work."
Former customers from all corners of Oxfordshire took to social media to express their frustration, with local councillor Rae Humberstone also saying it was "unfortunate".
Among them was Sarah Tarrant-Wooding, who said: "All the staff were so knowledgeable, patient and helpful. We were adamant we should support a local business and I'm glad we did."
In the coming weeks boxed ex-display buggies and prams, including from brands Bugaboo, Cybex and Mountain Buggy, will go on sale in an online auction.
The event will take place between 10am and 4pm on Saturday, September 10, with bidding ending at 12pm on Monday, September 12.
Graham Jones, spokesman for local traders' group ROX (Rescue Oxford), said the only pram shop in Oxford would now be the Mothercare in Oxford Retail Park.
He added: "We as a family have used them many years back; I thought they were doing quite well.
"The birth rate is fairly steady and you have always got a new market, but there's a lot of passing on. People are saving money and more people will be buying second-hand.
"It is a pity that in the city centre nobody is going to be able to come in and buy off the shelf and take it away.
"You can't put a pram on a park and ride bus so that stunts the market in a sense. It is a pity; I think you need choice."
