Pioneering alternative supermarket HISBE (How It Should Be) has launched a new crowdfunder to get itself “expansion-ready” and primed for the next stage of its development.
The retailer, which operates as a social enterprise, has two stores currently in Brighton and Worthing, and has set its sights on opening a third outlet in Lewes next year.
Its HISBE – More Than A Shop’ crowdfunder has a stretch target of £75,000. Response to the initiative has been described as “fantastic”, with £50,000 pledged in just 14 days. Every pledge is being matched by two other funders, turning every £1 pledged into £3 – or even £4. Aviva has teamed up with Crowdfunder to support HISBE’s work through their Community Fund. And as they reach each £25k milestone, The Be The Earth Foundation drop in £25k to match their efforts.
HISBE Co-founder Ruth Anslow says: “These last three years have been tough, on all of us. HISBE has been in survival mode – and we are so grateful to all our customers and supporters for sticking with us. HISBE simply wouldn’t still be here without you.
“Running any small business at the moment is extra challenging, with rising costs and customers watching their pennies. But it’s even more of a balancing act for HISBE, as a social enterprise. It costs us extra to follow our values and do the right thing, whilst still keeping prices affordable for our shoppers.
“Our goal is to build a network of stores in Sussex – and we’re in talks with Lewes Council about bringing HISBE store number 3”
“Thankfully we are now seeing the shoots of recovery in both stores, but we also need to raise funding to keep going and return HISBE to expansion-readiness. Our goal is to build a network of stores in Sussex – and we’re in talks with Lewes Council about bringing HISBE store number 3 to Lewes High Street in 2024.”