A social enterprise has appealed for support for its retail store and new website so they can continue to provide vital services for marginalised members of the community in Flintshire.
RainbowBiz CIC was hit by the lockdown which closed its trading arm, the Hippy Shop in Mold, back in March.
They received support during this period with IT firm North Wales Media helping create websites and funding from the Steve Morgan Foundation.
The shop is now back open at the Daniel Owen Precinct but footfall remains well down on pre-pandemic levels.
Sue Oliver, director at RainbowBiz CIC, said: “Since reopening we have noticed a 60% decline in sales.
“The shop has only been able to reopen due to the fantastic support we have had from our longstanding volunteers.
“As you can imagine this reduction in sales is having a very worrying affect on us and whether we will be able to sustain our social enterprise long term.”
Sarah Way, shop manager, said: “I was really worried about coming back to work after a such a long time in lockdown.
“Since having the perspex screening set up at the entrance to the shop I feel that staff, volunteers and customers are all kept safe without completely taking away the shopping experience that we have worked hard to create over the last three years.”
On the website, Sue added: “We received some fantastic support from IT Services company North Wales Media from Flint, who have worked with us to reinvent both our online websites.
“The new online shop www.rainbowbizhippyshop.org.uk is a great reflection of the Hippy Shop in Mold and we are working hard to add more products every week.
"There are already over 350 products available to buy online. We now offer a click and collect service too.”
