Businesses across Northern Ireland are facing difficult decisions about keeping their doors open.
Many have seen bills rise exponentially, coupled with less disposable income in customers pockets.
A Derry city centre business has taken to social media to announce its closure.
Read more: Popular tearoom to close after receiving electricity bill of over £4,000
Shake n Frappe were also badly impacted by the fire in neighbouring Fitzroys Restaurant at the end of last year. Despite their best efforts in their clean up operation and reopening, owners Gary and Rachael announced that their Carlisle Road shop is to close at the start of September.
On Instagram, they said: "We are devastated to announce that Sunday September 4 will be the last trading day for Shake 'N' Frappe Carlisle Road.
"It has unfortunately become a familiar story in the retail and small business industry in general, that the ever-increasing crippling costs of energy and stock, added to the already high costs of having a city centre shop have just pushed it towards being unviable.
"We haven't had the smoothest of years as a new business opening but are so proud of what we have managed to achieve and maybe in a different economical climate we would not be taking this decision but summer should have been our high season and we know the winter will only get even more difficult. Our little town has also still not fully recovered from the pandemic and we know all our customers are feeling the pinch.
"The stress and sacrifices being made in order to keep two shops afloat is having a negative impact on our family life and its our kids who are losing out on quality time with their parents. Therefore we have made this difficult decision as a family and are doing what is right for us at this time.
"Northland Road shop will be staying open as normal and we hope to be able to give it a little revamp in September so keep an eye on our Facebook page for updates on that.
"Thank you to everyone who has called in to Carlisle road and supported us over this last year, we hope to see you all up there over the next 11 days before doors close."
Shake n Frappe's Northland Road shop will remain open.
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