Devastating for small businesses. Another well-loved Midsomer Norton shop is closing up for good.

There were hopes that the Green Shop, at the back of Midsomer Norton High Street, could be saved, the owner has admitted that those hopes have been dashed and the doors will remain closed.

The owner posted today (February 2) that in a 'heartbreaking' decision, her independent business had been destroyed by on line sales, falling numbers of customers and declining footfall on the High Street.

She posted:

Dear lovely customers, friends, and Green Shop family...I am very sad to announce that our lovely independent health food shop is to be closed permanently. There was hope of a revival with new owners, but sadly now, that is no longer going to happen. We had an amazing run, with the shop being in the town for 30-plus years...but it is sadly no longer financially viable and there is absolutely nothing more that I can do.

The last couple of years have been absolutely devastating for independent businesses, with online sales and supermarkets being ruthless competitors, and footfall disappearing on the high street. Unfortunately the shop was unable to sustain itself through the pandemic, with huge losses meaning the shop just couldn't keep going in the end, even with extra finance propping it up - the deficit just meant a debt-cycle that couldn't be resolved with such a big and consistent drop in sales and then the inability to stock the shop adequately. It has been absolutely heart-breaking, and I so appreciate the support and patience of lovely customers and staff, who kept the shop going for much longer than it would have otherwise. Thank you

Please do come along to The Green Shop on Saturday, even just to say a quick hello! Music will be playing and the atmosphere will be warm and welcoming as always All items will be on sale.

A lovely community market and Wassail will be happening outside the shop and Unit 14 also, so please come and support this local event.

The very fab Lucy from Zen Rebel, near Sainsbury's in MSN is opening an eco-shop and will be taking on some of the products from The Green Shop. So do pop in and see her soon

Thank you all again