Rising costs blamed as shop closes after 40 years
BBCA well-known cookshop and cafe in Salisbury is to close after more than 40 years.
Dinghams Cookshop has been trading from the site on the Market Place for the last 20 years, having opened on Fisherton Street in 1982.
A social media post explained that: "Rising costs, changes in consumer habits, and external economic pressures have made it increasingly difficult".
It went on: "The combination of these pressures has made it unsustainable for us to continue operating as an independent business."
The Dinghams team thanked customers via Facebook, saying: "It has been an unforgettable experience, and we will always be grateful for the support."
The firm blamed a lack of support following the novochok incident in 2018, which was followed by the Covid pandemic, along with an increase in online shoppng for playing a part in the store's demise.
Nicola Hardingham, who runs Dinghams said: "We tried to keep positive, expand the cafe, we tried new things, we were really fighting, but just nothing seemed to be enough."
"Then we got the cost of living crisis and the rise in all our costs, it's just a losing battle," she added.
Nicola said: "I am proud. The team is brilliant. I couldn't fault them, I couldn't fault the customers, it's just the way the world is for independents."
She added her own personal message for those who visited her shop, offering "a huge thank you. I am sorry we couldn't carry on any more".
Shoppers have paid tribute, sending flowers, writing poems, cards and letters.
Dinghams is due to close for good on 28 February.
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