AN ISLE of Wight gift shop has announced it will soon close due to the effect of the Covid pandemic and the pressures of the cost-of-living crisis.
Kathy’s on York Avenue in East Cowes is a well-established card and gift shop, which the previous owner had for over 30 years.
When she retired, Debbie Groundsell took over the business after working alongside the previous owner for four years.
After taking over, Debbie introduced new ranges but still managed to find the unusual gifts that the shop was well-known for, ensuring there was always something for everyone.
She said that closing the store is the ‘most heart-breaking, hardest decision’ she has ever had to make, noting the change since Covid for retail and rising energy costs as the reason behind the closure.
Debbie posted on Facebook: “Believe me, I love this shop, my business, my customers – its more than a job, it’s been my life for seven years, but I cannot sacrifice a wage any longer under the current climate.
“I'm so sorry, but thank you for all your custom. I will truly miss everything I do.
“But unfortunately, this current climate is out of my control and has destroyed my business that I love.”
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