God, I hate writing these stories. Another one bites the dust.
I actually bought my mum's birthday present from Hilary & Alice last year—this quirky little ceramic bird that now sits on her windowsill. Forty quid well spent. Now the shop that's been the heart and soul of Diss's Mere Street for nearly 10 years is shutting up for good, and I'm genuinely gutted about it.
The Death Spiral of Another High Street Gem
The owners dropped teh bombshell on Facebook earlier this week. You could practically feel the resignation through the screen. After weathering "nearly a decade of trading through a global health crisis, a cost-of-living crisis, and the slow decline of the Diss high street," they've finally thrown in the towel.
I spoke with a local yesterday who told me, "I literally only came to Diss to visit their shop." That's the thing about these unique little businesses—they're destination spots. People make special trips.
But here's the brutal reality: fewer shops = less foot traffic = even fewer shops. It's a vicious cycle that's killing our town centres faster than you can say "Amazon Prime."
Wait... They're Not Completely Vanishing?
Silver lining alert! While the physical store is closing "later this summer" (which feels ominously vague), the business itself isn't completely kaput. The owners will continue offering in-home consultations for furniture painting, upholstery, and interior design services.
Not the same though, is it?
The Locals Are Properly Devastated
The Facebook comments section turned into a digital wake. One shopper lamented it was "by far the best shop window in diss" despite only having "brought a couple items" before. Another called it "a big loss for the high street."
I wandered down Mere Street this morning, coffee in hand, just to look at the storefront one more time. There was an elderly couple peering in the window, pointing at something inside. Wonder if they'd heard the news yet.
Makes you think about how these places become part of our lives without us even realizing. Until they're gone.
The Retail Apocalypse Continues...
Hilary & Alice isn't alone in this nightmare. Beales—a department store that's been around since Queen Victoria was on the throne—is shutting its last remaining shop after 140+ years. Their Poole branch closes May 31st with everything going for up to 70% off. (Might be worth a trip if you're nearby...)
New Look is hemorrhaging stores too—closing about a quarter of their 364 shops across the UK. Stores in Gateshead, St Austell, and Porth are already having closing down sales.
And Huttons in London? That little gift shop that's been in Putney Exchange since the 90s? Energy costs killed it. Just like that.
So Who's Really to Blame?
Rising costs. Declining footfall. Online shopping. The pandemic. Take your pick.
I remember back in 2018 when my friend opened a little bookshop in Norwich. Lasted 8 months. His response when I asked what went wrong: "Everything costs more than you think and people spend less than you hope."
The owners of Hilary & Alice managed to keep their dream alive for a decade. In today's retail climate, that's practically a miracle.
I'll miss that shop. Genuinely will.
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How To Save for Retirement Effectively
Saving for retirement begins with setting clear goals regarding when you want to retire and how much money you will need. Start by contributing to employer-sponsored retirement plans like a 401(k), especially if your employer offers matching contributions. If self-employed or your employer does not provide a plan, consider opening an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). Aim to save at least 15% of your income annually, including employer contributions. Regularly review and adjust your contributions as your income changes. Diversify your investments within your retirement accounts to reduce risk and maximize potential returns over time.
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