19/05/2023
Good evening 👋
I just thought I'd jump on here and have a little response to the article that was published in today KentOnline News. It saddens me to see this and we haven't been contacted about it at all.
So here goes...........
Hi
I'm Kirsty, I'm the daughter of Kim the former owner of this amazing shop, unfortunately covid paid a massive part in the shops decline in business, with the centre closing totally in the first lock down and only the health food shop and 2 others being able to open in the other lockdowns it was a struggle to get things going again, the footfall through the centre just wasn't enough, and then the cafe closed so the footfall dropped even more. My Mum worked hard by herself most days to keep her passion alive for aslong as possible when this year it just got to much for her, and she had no choice but to call it aday as it was no longer financially visable to keep the shop open. It also started to effect her mentally and was extremely unhappy. So the decision was made to shut the shop. Mums regular customers knew the situation and knew when she was closing, the decision wasn't made over night.
We haven't posted anything on Facebook as the page wasn't getting seen and hardly anyone was interacting on any posts.
Mum misses the shop it was her passion for years and she still can't help herself and gives advise to people that ask her when they see her .
Now, I never thought I'd have to write this next bit but I'm so glad that my mum closed the shop when she did as she has since been diagnosed with cancer and is now fighting that, so she needs every ounce of energy to get through this and seeing the article in the paper really upset her, as she thinks it makes it seem like she just shut shop over night which wasn't the case.
I really wish kent online had messaged us before publishing the article to find out the facts, yes alot of business in the centre have closed each with their own reasons, my mum would have spoke to them if they'd asked.
For now my mum is enjoying some extra time with her grandchildren before radio and chemo therapy starts.
She does miss the shop and her customers and the endless chats you all had.
Thankyou for the years that you all supported her ❤️
Thankyou for reading
Kirsty ❤️
https://www.facebook.com/255789693632/posts/10160529266268633/
An independent food store has unexpectedly shut and is the latest in a string of closures at a shopping centre.
