A family-run greengrocer in Sandbach is set to close its doors for the final time later this week due to an overwhelming increase in the cost of doing business.
Emma Gibson, from Gibsons Greengrocers and Deli on High Street in Sandbach, posted on social media this evening (9th January 2023) to announce the news.
She told followers that Saturday (14th January 2023) would be the shop’s final day of trading, and said: “It is with a very heavy heart that I announce that we are closing our lovely little family business and that Saturday 14th January will be our final trading day.
“Unfortunately, the costs into our business have increased significantly over the last year and despite making adjustments to offset the increases, the surge in energy costs, drop in home deliveries and reduced footfall have left us with no option.”
Emma – who left a corporate job to launch the business in 2019 – said it was a hard decision, but felt it was right to go out on a high after the Christmas trading period with their heads held high.
She added: “Ordinarily we would adapt our ways of working but we have had to increase our prices making us uncompetitive and with further increases in wages and taxes on the horizon, plus uncertainty around the future of our lease, the business is just no longer viable.
“This has been an incredibly difficult decision, which had to be made with my head not my heart!
“We want to go out on a high following an amazing Christmas and bow out whilst we are still able to honour our commitments to both our staff and suppliers and whilst we can hold our heads high!”
She issued a plea to other businesses in the area to help staff who are now looking for alternative work, and thanked loyal customers for their support over the years.
She said: “We are devastated to be losing Team Gibson so if anyone has any part-time or full-time roles available that might suit my wonderful team, please get in touch as soon as possible.
“We want to say a huge thank you to each and every one of you that has shopped with us and supported our dream over the last three and a half years, we wouldn’t have come this far without you!
“I couldn’t be more proud of what Team Gibson has achieved, thank you all.”
