Local Craft Shop Battles Rising Costs to Stay Open
In Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, three friends are striving to maintain their independent crafting business, The Kiwi Fruit is Cute, despite increasing operational costs. The shop, which offers charity events and free community drop-in sessions, relocated to Lower High Street after its previous location at Cavendish House closed earlier this year. This move has resulted in a doubling of expenses, prompting the owners to initiate a crowdfunding campaign to help manage these financial pressures.
A Community Hub
Siobhan Westmacott, one of the founding partners, expressed to BBC Radio Gloucestershire the ongoing efforts to keep the shop sustainable on a month-to-month basis. Known for its Make & Mingle sessions, the shop welcomes individuals who gather to work on personal projects like knitting, sewing, or crafting in a social environment rather than in isolation at home. It also provides space for charities, such as Oscar’s Community Corner, to host their own crafting activities.
Business Challenges
Westmacott explained that the founders, including Samantha Potter and Zarina Ismail, have continued to support the shop personally, not drawing any wages from it and instead reinvesting all resources back into the business. Despite seeing growth, the owners acknowledge the severe challenges they face, stating they are currently navigating an especially challenging period. The fundraiser aims to ensure the shop remains open, inclusive, and affordable.
Looking Forward
The crowdfunding efforts are specifically intended to finance necessary restocks, fill product gaps, and provide financial relief while they work to increase sales. The shop is also in the process of applying for charitable status, which may take several months to be approved. Potter emphasised the strong bond among the co-founders, saying they are devoted to sustaining the business they have built over more than five years.
Reporting based on coverage first published by bbc.co.uk.