23/09/2026
Goodbye Ally Cat Cards 💌
Today marks the end of the most incredible chapter for our Ally Cat journey. Almost 15 years ago my brave parents Jackie & Paul opened their first card shop in Leek. Laura their daughter was mid cancer treatment, Paul (dad) lost his job for having to be away so much - and they needed to support their young and changing family. They were forced into a new pace, so with just enough to get the first rent paid and a logo drawn by their children - Ally Cat Cards was born.
From that grew the most incredible, thriving business that changed our lives. Throughout my whole childhood my parents worked tirelessly, sometimes not making it home until midnight, dead on their feet after stock changes and prepping for big seasons like Christmas.
In 2019, just over 7 years ago - they opened their third and final branch in Milton. We have had the most incredible time serving all of our customers in the area after the most warm welcome from the village, and from that grew our biggest challenge - Ally Cat Balloons.
Now 15 years on from their head first dive - it’s time for them to slow down. Now with two more grandchildren in tow, a renovation and other business commitments with ACB, Jackie & Paul are moving into their “less wholesalers, more holidays” era.
We want to thank everybody for their support over the past 15 years. We have loved getting to know you, chatting about your plans, helping you celebrate milestones, birthdays, weddings and even the sad days.
This also marks a new chapter for our longest serving team members, Kerry & Naomi. After 10 years alongside us - it’s time for them to take on their own adventure. They will be opening Milton Cards & Gifts from the same Milton location - and we want to wish them all the luck in the world and thank them for their supportive, thoughtful and patient dedication to our family business. We were gutted to think our well loved Milton shop may close for good, but now in its place the new team with fresh eyes and new passion.
Ally Cat Balloons is going nowhere - we’re so proud of this baby that grew again from a little risk and we will still be here to help you celebrate, just with a few less cards and envelopes💌
We’re closing out this chapter so grateful for this amazing journey we’ve been on as a family & so ready for a well earned rest ☺️
All our love
