A Herefordshire shop has taken the tough decision to cut its opening hours, following a 50% fall in sales so far this year.
Motif, located on Drapers Lane in Leominster, shared an emotional message on social media over the weekend, explaining the reasoning behind their decision.
The post, shared on their Facebook page said:
“We will be closed from Monday 26 June until Saturday 1 July. We will re-open at 9.30am on Monday 3 July.
“From Monday 3 July we will be changing our opening hours to trade from 9.30am to 4.00pm as it is no longer financially viable to trade after 4.00pm.
“So far this year our sales have declined by approximately 50% over those achieved between July and December 2022 and the trend is getting worse not better.
“Last week was our worst 6 day trading week since we opened and as a result we have decided to give ourselves a week off to recharge and get our heads back into a positive space.
“It is extremely difficult to manage a business under these circumstances. Each day we try to produce a vibrant, interesting, well stocked and well presented shop whilst providing a welcoming greeting and personal customer service to anyone who steps through our door.
“After 6 months of pretty much daily disappointment we need a break.
“Times are tough for nearly everyone. Food costs, heating costs and now mortgage/rental rises mean that all of us have fewer pennies to treat ourselves or others.
“We understand, we really do, as we have to struggle with the same cost of living rises that you do.
“We also know from conversations with other businesses that we are not alone in experiencing difficult trading. However, it is at times like these that everyone should think carefully about how they spend what money they have … if there is a business you appreciate (and it doesn’t have to be ours) then do your best to support it otherwise it might not be there come 2024.
“We have a 5 year lease but it has a break clause. That is not something we wish to activate but if the shop is not financially sustainable then it is something we must consider. Just so you know.
“This time last year when we opened everyone who visited us was incredibly welcoming and positive.
“It was amazing to experience and lots of you have been really supportive ever since.
“We would like to thank you and, in fact, anyone who has visited our shop and spent money in the last 11 months. Because, sadly, that is what it does come down to … money.
“It’s great to be told that it is a lovely shop and yes, we know it smells nice but unfortunately you can’t pay the quarterly rental with kind words or Facebook likes.
“If you’ve read this far, thank you for your time. Have a great week. We’ll see you Monday 3 July onwards.
“Sally & Simon
“And look at that, we managed to get through the whole thing without mentioning the Corn Square or Victorian Market fiasco.”
