The owners of a Helston shop have announced they will be closing in nine weeks’ time as they “fear for its long term future” in the current economy.

The Online Baby Centre has been trading since 2011 and has had a shop on Helston’s Water-ma-Trout industrial estate for the last seven years.

The business was set up by Tristan and Rachel Allerton as a way of giving parents a selection of well-researched options in the crowded baby product market, selling items that they themselves would use as parents of young children.

Falmouth Packet:

The shop will close in October. Photo: Online Baby Centre

In 2015 they received the backing of former Dragon’s Den TV star Theo Paphitis, after he encouraged businesses to 'pitch' to him on Twitter in less than 140 characters.

However, Mr Allerton said the couple now believed it was the right time to finish the business, which close on Friday, October 18.

A clearance sale has now begun, with offers and discounts in store.

Owner Tristan Allerton told the Packet: “We have been overwhelmed by the lovely comments and support that we have had from our customers, it really has been a pleasure over the last eight years.

Falmouth Packet:

Rachel and Tristan Allerton with Theo Paphitis in 201

“However the time is right for us to move on. Whilst the business is still making a profit, the current economic climate is such that we fear for its long term future.”

The couple have also thanked their customers over the last eight years, in a social media post.

They said: “Our business has been very successful thanks to the support of our wonderful customers, but the time has come for us to move in a new direction.”