Rising costs and a drop in discretionary spending have forced an independent gift store to close its doors after 12 years in business.
Totally J at Daisy Hill sold eclectic giftware and gift baskets, but closed for good on Friday, 13 February after going into liquidation.
Business shareholder Jayne Keogh said it was sad to see the business come to an end.
“It’s very sad and I’ve had customers coming in crying and I’m trying not to cry myself,” she said.
“It’s been nothing but fun and I’ve met some amazing friends in this business.
“It’s a lovely community to be part of and I will miss my chats with customers every week.”
Mrs Keogh said her friend opened the store in 2014.
“She had a small store just up the road called Basket Cases and she would make these amazing gift baskets,” she said.
“I was retiring from being a lecturer at Griffth University in Education and I saw what she was doing and asked if I could work with her on it.”
Mrs Keogh said one reason for the shop’s closure was that prices were going up, but sales were going down.
“Our lease is up in March and unfortunately over the last year sales have gone down,” she said.
“People’s electricity is going up, mortgage, rent, food and just the cost of everything is skyrocketing including our lease and wholesale prices, and gifts are a discretionary item so we aren’t selling them as much as we used to.”
“I would love to stay, but we just can’t afford it anymore – we had to bite the bullet and go into liquidation.”
Mrs Keogh, who technically retired in 2016, said with the closure she plans to retire again – or not.
“I don’t like being bored so I try to keep myself busy,” she said.
“I will be working with Griffith University as a lecturer again, as I have a class to take this year.”
“I also do tai chi, painting, gym, swimming, love my coffee catch ups and seeing movies.”
Mrs Keogh thanks the community and her friends for keeping the shop going for so long.
“It was always a hobby for me and a bit of fun and I’m very surprised it has lasted as long as it has,” she said.
“Myself, Janette and Melissa, thank you all for being with us over the years.”
