The owner of a popular beer shop in Nottinghamshire said he is 'disappointed' to have to shut his business after ten years. Nick Johnson, 61, said the financial challenges have pushed him to close down Hopology in Melton Road, West Bridgford for good.
The European beer enthusiast said the decision came after the 'worst Christmas he's ever had'. Mr Johnson explained the reasons behind his decision to close, blaming rising costs, the difficult recovery after Covid, and the war in Ukraine.
He said: "This is our tenth Christmas and New Year so it is sad that it is coming to an end. Our business was well-established and known by people here. But this has been our worst Christmas, so that made my decision easier. I am very disappointed. When I posted it Facebook, I got lovely messages from people and many were upset."
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Hopology will close its doors on Saturday, January 7, the latest. "Most of the crates were full and now many of them are completely empty", Mr Johnson added.
"January is not a good month for retail, especially drinks. So it is a good time for me to close it in January."
Explaining the reason behind his decision, he added: "It is a bit dull, but we had a set of circumstances. Our business has not done as well this year.
"The landlord wanted to sign a new lease which is understandable. And I just do not want to spend another five years if the next two are going to be miserable."
Mr Johnson's long-term plan to sell his business one day crashed due to financial challenges. "This has always been my ambition. And this year it almost happened - but after the mini budget, the people dropped out.
"My business started because I have a passion for European beer, and then the British beer and Nottingham breweries caught up with me. In 2013, when Brexit happened, it was a lot harder to keep up because everyone put their prices up - but we got around that."
He added: "Then Covid came and that created a problem on its own. But just as we are coming out of the pandemic, the invasion of Ukraine happened, which affected the cost of everything.
"Everything I buy has gone up - the vans that come to me, the electricity. And the cost of living has affected both businesses and customers. People are spending less.
"It would be a very miserable two years if I stay. So I decided to stop while I am ahead.
"If we had the finances available, we would have stayed. But I need to make a living. Sometimes you have to take the least worst option."
Mr Johnson thanked his customers for their support over the years, adding: "I never expected to come so far 10 years ago. It is sad to leave this area because this is such a lovely, independent street."
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