Staff at Pinocchio's Toys and Gifts were this morning faced with the devastating aftermath of a robbery when they opened their doors on what should be one of their busiest days of the year.

Really sad to see that Pinocchios toy store in #Cork has been robbed days before Christmas @eveningecho @irishexaminer — John Simon (@j_simon_blue) December 22, 2014

The shop was closed this morning as fingerprints were being recovered from the scene

A sign on the shutter of the shop read: "Closed due to robbery".

Thinking of staff at Pinocchios toy store in Cork today after the shop was robbed. A sign on the door says 'Closed due to robbery'. How sad. — Neil Prendeville (@NeilRedFM) December 22, 2014

The popular toyshop has since reopened and customers are being urged to support the business in its time of need.

Pinocchio's will stay open until 7pm today (Monday). However due to the robbery they cannot accept card payments, only cash.

Pinnochio's toy and gift shop on Paul St #Corkhas reopened for business after last night's robbery. They're open until 7pm #shoplocal — Eoin English (@EoinBearla) December 22, 2014

Pinocchio's was founded in 1983 by Marijke Igosse to sell wooden educational toys.

It has been run by Wyon and Christel Stansfeld since 1991 and it is a family-owned business.