ONE of the oldest independent shops in Melksham is to close after almost 24 years after steadily declining footfall in recent years.
Lynne Jones opened the Sewing Basket in October 1991 and flourished for the first 15 before a combination of the internet and declining footfall in Melksham town centre meant sales dropped.
Lynne said, “It is with mixed emotions that myself and Nick have taken the decision to close. After 24 years our once popular shop has become a victim of the internet and declining customers in general. It takes two things to run a shop – stock, which we have; and customers, which we don’t. There are of course the loyal customers that have always supported us and still do, but in general the footfall in Melksham is nothing like it used to be. Instead people shop elsewhere, the town sometimes seems to be deserted and if this trend continues many more shops may have to make the same decision that we have had to make. It really is a case now if use us or lose us. Not a term we like using but in our case it is sadly true.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our loyal customers, past and present as well as the staff and we wish everyone the best for the future.”
It is expected that Sewing Basket on Church Street will remain open until October.
