Pioneering alternative supermarket HISBE (How It Should Be) has paused trading amid ongoing funding challenges. 

The retailer, which operates as a social enterprise, says it has closed its two stores in Brighton and Worthing as it tries to find ways to secure new funding.

In a statement HISBE thanked supporters and customers and said it had been “inundated with emails and messages”. 

Posting on social media, the retailer said: “Following a painful four-year battle through covid and the cost-of-living crisis we had a disappointing Christmas trading period and our recovery funding hasn’t come through. 

“So we have paused trading because it’s the responsible thing to do in our circumstances. HISBE owes money to staff, suppliers and lenders and we are exploring all options to raise funds to pay our creditors. 

“We hope this is a temporary closure and we can find a way for this social enterprise to go forward and continue its important work. But it will take some time to figure out.”

HISBE describe its predicament as “daunting” but recognises that hundreds of other local small businesses face similar stresses. “Solidarity to all of you out there going through this. After 13 years, this is our hardest challenge yet.”