A SOUTHAMPTON handicraft shop which survived the pandemic has announced it will close due to the cost of living crisis.
The owners of Ambient Objects in Shirley Road have decided to shut down as rising costs have made the business unviable.
Co-owner Ian Green, 57, said energy bills had tripled from £150 to £450 per month.
Although Ambient Objects does not have a confirmed closing date, the owners expect it to close by the end of this month.
The Shirley shop was founded by Ian Green and Jenny Diaper and is known for selling unique and unusual objects.
The items range from furniture, jewellery, sculptures, gifts, and cards, to pre-owned bits and pieces and more.
Speaking to the Echo about the closure, Ian said: "Our energy prices have (increased) and it's just ridiculous."
Ian said despite surviving repeated Covid lockdowns the situation was now impossible.
The 57-year-old added: "When Covid hit, we had to close the store as we were not classed as a necessary business.
"It was terrible and the business was dying.
"We were out of balance while competing against online shopping, but the lockdown and now the cost of living crisis just made our circumstances worse.
Ian added: "We thought to give it a few months after Covid and it would recover, but it never did.
"We invested a lot of money in this place, well over 80 grand, and we can't keep topping it up."
The shop, which opened more than five years ago, has seen Shirley in its good and bad times.
Ian said the regulars have become more like friends and he is saddened he will not be able to keep the store open for them.
He added: "This is a fun shop and it's one of those places where people can come down for a chat even if they are not buying anything.
"We would really like to thank everyone who has come in to support us over the years.
"This is not a serious shop. We have a lot more browsers than we do people buy, and that's because our stock entertains people and gives them a laugh."
And what’s next for Ian after closure?
He said: "It's not the end of the world. I am going to miss this store and our customers but I am sure I'll find something to keep myself busy."
Ian plans to spend his time switching between his favourite hobbies: fishing and gardening.
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