A business owner in Sydney’s northern suburbs has partly blamed her store’s financial troubles on ‘society’ in a bizarre rant.
The Crows Nest branch of The Source Bulk Foods closed last week due to financial difficulties.
However, a letter posted on the store’s front door attributed the closure in part to society’s waning interest in making “authentic” connections with each other.
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“You have now wondered why our doors are closed…it is with the heaviest of hearts that I have had to put the business into liquidation,” store owner Nikki wrote.
“It was a very difficult time made even more difficult due to our bond with you, our loyal customers, friends even, who have darkened our door and brightened our smiles for six years, some of you since the days of our Willoughby store.”
The letter explained that the store had been struggling for some time and that the cost of living had put the business “between such a rock and a hard place”.
“Small local businesses like ours, where regulars can come and chat and smile, get a hug when they’re feeling down, share laughs and life, exchange news, opinions, recipes and even gifts, where someone knows your name…form a valuable network in our local communities,” the owner wrote.
“These types of establishments are part of people’s lives and give them a sense of community.
“They teach our kids basic business and good manners… They’re just there and that’s a comfort, especially in these times of loneliness, depression and anxiety in our society.”
But, Nikki said society is changing and her shop has fallen victim to those changes.
“What I see, heartbreakingly, is that our society has unwittingly, bit by bit, chosen convenience and instant gratification over the effort required to interact with the authenticity of real people, their community of neighbors, their touchstone,” she wrote.
Nikki and her team Esther, Kira and Chelsea said they would miss their friendly customers.
“You have been our community. Our goal. Our validation. You were the best in running a small business,” she said.
“Thank you for supporting us, for taking care of us, for loving us.”
Nikki concluded the letter by urging customers to come say hello in the community, while reminding locals of the importance of supporting small businesses.
The store officially announced its closure in a social media post last Thursday.
“We would like to thank all of our customers for their support, and we hope to see you soon at one of our other local stores or shopping online,” a statement on Facebook read.
The Source Bulk Foods is Australia’s largest specialty bulk food retailer, with over 60 franchises across the country.
7NEWS.com.au has contacted The Source Bulk Foods for further comment.
