Southampton's Rice Up forced to close after soaring energy prices

Wholefood store Rice Up in Hanover Buildings announced it will close down next week after energy bills skyrocketed in the past couple of months.

Director Dorothy Martin had previously shared her worries about the impact of the cost of living crisis.

During the summer, the shop saw its monthly electricity bill rise from £700 to nearly £2,500 despite turning off multiple freezers.

READ MORE: Shopkeeper's despair as monthly electricity bills go from £700 to £2,500

Dorothy said: “It’s such a disappointment but we just can’t do it anymore, we’re still being charged £2,300 in electricity bills and we just can’t do it.

“We’re just going to sell everything we have now and we’re aiming to close towards the end of next week.”

Rice Up in Hanover Buildings

A statement published on Facebook says high costs “have culminated in us having to reach the terribly difficult and sad decision to close for good.

“This wasn't a decision made lightly and we will be so sorry to go.”

The business, which was been going since 2013, aimed to make vegan food and products accessible and mainstream.

A fundraiser to help it pay for staff and other expenses raised nearly £12,000 earlier this year.

Following the announcement of the upcoming closure, dozens of people took to social media to share messages of support.

One user wrote: “This is really sad news! I remember when you opened being so shocked that I could actually eat anything from a shop for the first time. Your service has been amazing, such a friendly group of people doing.”

Another user wrote: “That is really sad news guys, but I am really glad that I had a chance to meet you and work with you for about 3 years.”

The statement added: “Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to everyone who has worked with us, shopped with us and volunteered with us over the last nine years, it's been a lot of fun.”

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