A popular jewellery has announced that it will close in the coming weeks. Its owner has confirmed that there will be a 20% off sale on products before the shop shuts for good after 34 years in business.

Abacus Beads, in , will shut in three weeks time. The owner of the company took to to confirm the sad news to customers who expressed their disappointment in response.

The owner of Abacus Beads announcede: "It is with a heavy heart I have to tell you we are closing down in a few weeks time.

"I am moving away from Belfast and I had an amazing customer who wanted to buy the business, but sadly the banks were not prepared to help us unless she had a huge chunk of the money herself.

"It stood for nothing that this is a viable business which has been trading successfully for 34 years."

They added: "We are starting a 20% off Closing Down Sale today (excludes Sterling Silver findings/beads, Repairs & anything already at a sale price). If ordering online the discount will be applied automatically at check out and there's free delivery on orders over £40, after discount, throughout all of Ireland and the UK (if items have gone out of stock we will send the closest alternative, let us know in the comments box at checkout if you want to choose your own alternatives)."

The owner added that their loyalty scheme has now been discontinued. However, customers are able to cash in their loyalty cards to receive £1 off for every stamp they have.

A number of locals have expressed their disappointment over the closure. Some slammed the bank for not lending money to a potential buyer of the store.

One person wrote: "I'm so, so saddened to read this. You've worked so hard over the years. It's disgraceful that the bank wouldn't lend the money to your potential buyer for a quite obviously viable business."

Another commented: "So sorry to hear this. Heard of so many craft/fabric stores closing recently, Northern Ireland will sorely miss you. Wishing you all the best in the future."

A third said: "Wishing you all the best for the future. I haven't been doing much beading in the last few years but have many Christmas baubles that I made and gifted from your supplies."

A fourth put: "Ah we are going to miss your beautiful and unique shop in the centre of Belfast. A great pity that you couldn't sell."