The Irish Walk, a landmark shopping destination in Old Town for over 50 years, will be closing its doors July 31, a casualty of a string of recent economic challenges.

“The last couple of years have been financially hard on all of us,” said owner Patty Theobald in announcing the closing on the store’s website and Facebook page. “From the government shutdown, to the summer closing of the Alexandria Metro stations, and now the pandemic, we all have suffered in ways we couldn’t have imagined. The Irish Walk is one business in a long list of businesses that is finding it impossible to bounce back after this third financial hit.”

Theobald became owner of the storied shop in 2008, following in the steps of the original owners, the Butler family, then Bernadette and Pat Troy. She went on to thank her longtime customers.

“We have fitted some of you with your first Irish dance shoes, ordered your wedding bands, watched your children grow, celebrated your anniversaries and helped you find the perfect gifts,” Theobald said. “We have appreciated hearing about your trips to Ireland and your family’s Irish histories and celebrating the big day with you – St. Patrick’s Day. It has been a joy.”

The Irish Walk is currently offering 40 percent off on all in stock merchandise both in store and online. The store will close its doors July 31. http://www.irishwalk.com/