A traditional and American sweet shop is set to close after almost six years on the high street. Co-owners of Simply Sweet, James Singer and Andrea Ward, announced on Friday, April 14, that the shop in Carter Gate will be closing due to the continued rising costs and reduced footfall in Newark town centre.
In a Facebook post, they stated: "It has not been an easy decision, but with the current economic climate, continued rising utility costs, as well as the combined lower footfall in the town centre, we feel that this is our best option. The last few years have certainly been a challenging time for all high-street retails, and we have survived some turbulent times.
"Simply Sweet will continue in some form from home, with markets, events and on-line. We’d like to take the opportunity to thank each and every one of our customers who have used us over the years.
Are you worried about the number of empty shops in the city centre? Let us know
"Our last trading day from the shop will be Sat 29th April. Again, thank you for all the years of support." James told Nottinghamshire Live that: "It's unfortunate, it's just there are less people about and I don't think the high street has ever recovered since coronavirus and now with the cost of living in terms of personal utilities, everybody has got that little bit less to spend and we are a luxury item.
"We will still be trading online and we will start doing markets just as a different way to sell now. When the utilities go up by 400 per cent with no additional government help then that's sort of the bottom line and we can't pass that off to customers.
"The cost of confectionary has gone up, and you only have to look at Cadburys as their prices have gone up or there's now less, and when a big company like Cadburys are doing that then something has to give. We don't want to leave our customers locally without sweets so people will still be able to order online."
James added: "It's just unfortunate and we have had an amazing five and a half years." Speaking about all of the customers they've had regularly coming in, he said: "It's just been incredible to be part of their lives and that's what we are going to miss."
Since the announcement hundreds of people have shared their sadness about the shop closing, with many praising the duo for their friendliness and pleased that the business will be continuing online and at markets. Retired John Walters, 67, of Farndon, said: “I’m very sad, it’s a good shop and it always has been.
"I probably come here once or twice a week for sweets. It's such a good selection, that's why I come here. It's all the things that you can't get anywhere else."
Mum Jamie-Lee Kirk, 28, of Newark, said she "could have cried" when she heard the shop was due to close. "I come once or twice a week and most of the time it's for the kids but then I'll get myself something as well," she said.
"I've been coming since it opened."
One Newark resident who did not wish to be named said: "I've not been before, but everyone says it's a nice little shop. I don't understand why all the shops are going, they are all closing down in the town but Newark itself isn't a bad little place."
READ NEXT:
Police appeal after man who 'wielded machete' in popular Nottingham pub
New fleet of electric bikes being rolled out across Nottingham today
Police appeal after Nottingham city centre assault left person with 'broken jaw'
'Digusting' dog fouling issue in Nottinghamshire village despite ‘plenty of signs and bins’
After a tricky start we discover exactly what makes 'Nottinghamshire's best pub' a winner
