*** I've been overwhelmed with the support this has received. It really is heartening. I had set a modest target that I thought I might have been able to achieve over a 6 week period.
This stretch target is to further help to the costs that will be incurred over the next few months. I appreciate all the pledges, every penny helps. The last few months have been hard with such a down turn in trade. This campaign has confirmed my belief there is a potential future for the shop. ***
I’m sad to say our time on City Road is coming to an end with the shop closing later this month.
Since Omicron hit just before Christmas, the shop has struggled, with fewer people popping in and Brexit making EU trade pretty much unworkable for a small business.
These are tricky times, but I do believe Idle Hands still has a future. A future that involves a more centrally located premises, a refresh and a new strategy to make the business more sustainable.
When I decided not to renew our lease I had hoped to make a smooth transition to a new location - although there have been options I’ve been pursuing, the retail rental market is also in a bit of a state and that hasn’t been possible. Sadly we’re going to have to close the physical shop until something comes up, and as a business that has been primarily about selling over the counter, this is likely to hit us hard.
So I’m asking for your support to help us through these tricky times. I am launching this Crowdfunder to alleviate some of the costs of being closed, and the overheads involved in moving. Times are hard for everyone I know, but if you can spare a few quid to keep Idle Hands alive hopefully we’ll get through this and live to see the shop prosper in a new location.
We love our customers and appreciate every single bit of support we’ve received over the years, whether buying records, supporting our nights or sharing our posts on social media. All of that matters, but right now without the cash needed to make it through that transition we may be forced to close permanently. Dig deep if you can and help us out by sharing this campaign.
Any money raised will alleviate ongoing costs. These costs include: storage of stock whilst looking for a new premises and ongoing business overheads that would normally be covered by shop takings. In the unlikely event that a new location can't be found, funds will be used to wind down the business.
