A POPULAR store has announced it will shut up shop after two decades of operations.
Budding Bloom Florist in Renfrew just outside Glasgow took to Facebook to announce the devastating closure.
The business decided to pull the plug due to “unforeseen circumstances”, Glasgow Times reported.
In the post, the owners wrote: “Shop closure end of March 2025.
“Sadly after 20 years of trading on the High Street, due to unforeseen circumstances, I have decided to close the business.
“With rising overheads and flower prices, it is no longer viable.
“I would like to thank all the loyal customers over the years – many of whom have become friends – for their support throughout my time in the shop and wish you all the very best.
“All outstanding orders will of course be fulfilled.”
Punters flocked to the comments to pay poignant tribute to the store following the shuttering.
One said: “Absolutely gutted to hear such news.”
A second added: “So sorry to hear this, your bouquets are beautiful and always to specification.”
A third weighed in: “Oh no, that’s the end of beautiful bouquets you made for my birthdays and Christmas.
“We will miss you but wish you all the best in the future.”
Hospitality industry struggles
Many food and drink businesses have faced significant challenges recently, as the rising cost of living has led to a decline in dining out.
After struggling to recover from the impact of the pandemic, many establishments were then hit with soaring energy bills and mounting inflationary pressures.
This has forced several well-known chains to shut locations, with big brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny’s among those affected.
Craig Rachel, director at financial advisory firm AlixPartners, outlined the key factors that have driven businesses to close sites last year, in 2024.
He said: “Restaurants have seen the accumulation of external pressures in 2024, including rising utility costs, food prices and labour costs.
“Although some of these factors have stabilised over recent months, the overall impact is significant and will be exacerbated again in 2025 following the budget announcements, and this has all affected profitability.
“Some restaurant groups have been able to mitigate this to a certain extent through operational efficiencies and pricing, but consumer spending in the sector is under pressure meaning price measures are often unable to fully bridge the gap.”
What is happening to the hospitality industry?
By Laura McGuire, consumer reporter
MANY Food and drink chains have been struggling in recently as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out.
Businesses had been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic, only to be hit with soaring energy bills and inflation.
Multiple chains have been affected, resulting in big-name brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny’s closing branches.
Some chains have not survived, Byron Burger fell into administration last year, with owners saying it would result in the loss of over 200 jobs.
Pizza giant, Papa Johns is shutting down 43 of its stores soon.
Tasty, the owner of Wildwood, said it will shut sites as part of major restructuring plans.
