The Bran Tub, a Petersfield health and wholefoods retail institution for 45 years, is to close its doors as rising costs and falling sales finally take their toll.
In a message on the store’s Facebook page, owners Gillian and Kevin Silverthorn, said: “Just when we were looking forward to things getting better, as the pandemic situation started to improve, unfortunately things took a turn for the worse. Rising costs and falling sales meant our business was unsustainable. And after countless sleepless nights we took the very sad decision to call it a day.
“We’d like to thank all our staff, past and present. In particular, a huge thank you to the current fantastic team that worked through the most difficult of times with enthusiasm and good humour. We’ve worked together, been to weddings, christenings and parties together and we’re so proud of this group of people. We wish them all the very best for the future. We’d also like to thank all our customers, fellow traders and suppliers for their custom and support over the years.”
The Silverthorns say they want to “be able to meet our obligations and cease trading with some pride and dignity” and have urged loyal customers to “support us by shopping at The Bran Tub until we sell all our stock and close our doors”.
So very sad, but maybe suddenly deciding to go completely vegan sounded the death knell – I certainly found myself unable to buy many things that I had always bought before. Now I have to break the news to my Swedish family, who always loved shopping in The Bran Tub when they come to the U.K.. Such a shame , but thank you to your team for excellent service on every occasion
Going vegan sounded the death knell? That suggests it was self inflicted and I think a little unfair, we’re in a recession, high inflation including food inflation at 19% for cereals. Very sorry to hear the Bran Tub had closed, I used to deliver here and once spent over 24 hours in the rear carpark when my trucks power steering pump broke.