Shops / News
Plant and lifestyle shop closes due to rising costs
A plant and lifestyle shop has closed its doors for the last time.
After starting Mila Plants in lockdown, Sam McKay opened the store on Park Street at the start of 2022, but has had to close its doors due to the rising costs of owning an independent business.
Having had locations in Cabot Circus as well as Park Street, and a concession at SPARKS, they have closed both permanent shops within the last month, however their gift shop at SPARKS will remain open.
is needed now More than ever
Sam McKay started Mila Plants three years ago – photo: Betty Woolerton
Making the announcement on Mila Plants’ Facebook page, Sam wrote: “The last three years have been anything but easy. You’ve no doubt seen that the indie business scene/high street is haemorrhaging businesses at the moment.
“I’ve battled for months. I haven’t slept. I haven’t paid myself. Instead, I’ve dealt with energy companies hiking their prices, shopping centres making empty promises, and ever-rising costs across the board.
“And I’ve battled on because of the people within my business both staff and customers. My team are the most wonderful people you could ever hope to meet.
“For now, it’s so long, and goodbye. Who knows what the future may hold, but it’ll be queer af!”
The store, which was a ‘proud LGBTQA+ business’, has had a mass sale to get rid of any stock and closed its doors for the last time on Sunday afternoon.
Main photo: Charlie Watts
Read next:
- Terrarium shop celebrates first anniversary
- Pop-up plant shop secures permanent store in coveted spot
- Shop owner launches petition to ‘save Bristol’s independents’
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