09/05/2026
It is with a very heavy heart that we share the news that Friday 15th May will be our last trading day at our Broadstairs shop.
This is not a decision we ever wanted to make. We have poured everything into this space, and we are incredibly proud of what we created and the wonderful community that grew around it.
However, like so many small businesses right now, we have been facing a perfect storm. Rising costs across the board, soaring energy prices, increased supplier costs, and significant rises in business rates have made day-to-day operations increasingly difficult. The recent changes to business rates and continued increases in overheads have placed enormous pressure on independent businesses like ours, at a time when consumer spending has also slowed considerably.
Alongside this, the ongoing uncertainty caused by global events has continued to impact small businesses across the UK, with many facing financial strain unlike anything we have experienced before.
We are absolutely devastated. We truly tried everything we could to continue, but despite our best efforts, it is no longer sustainable for us to keep the shop open.
To our incredible customers, team, friends, and community — thank you. Your support, kindness, and loyalty have meant the world to us, and this chapter has been something really special that we will never forget.
We would love to see as many of you as possible before we close our doors for the final time on Friday 15th May.
With love,
Clarey’s Chocolates
