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'It's just not financially feasible' – Inverness wool shop closing its doors


By Andrew Dixon

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The Woolly Sheep owner Naomi Whyte and daughter Ruby Rae Edwards proudly display the shop's best independent yarn store in Scotland award from the British Knitting & Crochet Awards 2021 watched by Mary-Anne Thomson, Pearl Whyte and Andrea Gritter. Picture: James Mackenzie
The Woolly Sheep owner Naomi Whyte and daughter Ruby Rae Edwards proudly display the shop's best independent yarn store in Scotland award from the British Knitting & Crochet Awards 2021 watched by Mary-Anne Thomson, Pearl Whyte and Andrea Gritter. Picture: James Mackenzie

An award-winning Inverness wool shop is closing its doors and plans to move its business online.

The announcement this morning by The Woolly Sheep shop, in Tomnahurich Street, stated its last day in the premises would be July 6 – unless it runs out of stock.

"Sadly, we are posting to let you all know that we are closing the doors at The Woolly Sheep," it stated.

"We have not reached this decision lightly as I'm sure you all know we absolutely love what we do but it's just not financially feasible to keep the bricks and mortar shop open.

"Footfall and sales have decreased this year and shopping habits seem to have changed, as well as rising childcare and other costs meaning its just not worth spending all day away from the family for such a small income.

"We will be moving solely online however this won't be until well after summer as I'm taking time out to spend time with family and plan what 'going online' will look like.

"To all our customers: Thank you for supporting us since we opened I'm sure it's not the last you'll be seeing or hearing from us.

"We hand the keys back on July 6. We will be open until then or until all the stock is sold – whichever comes first.

"Today I'll be launching our closing down sale. Everything will be heavily reduced in order to get it sold."

Followers on social media have expressed their support for the business, with some saying they would be customers when it goes online.

Phyllis Campbell said: "So sorry to hear you're closing, you had such a beautiful shop. It's a difficult time for everyone but sad to see local shops close. Best wishes for future and online. Enjoy family time too as nothing beats time with family."

Margaret Craig said: "It’s with great sadness that I’m reading this, you will be such a loss to Inverness. Wish I could knit/crochet faster."

Lorna Saunders said: "I visited your shop last year whilst up on holiday, visiting my parents, and it was a highlight of my time there. Your shop was absolutely lovely and I so enjoyed our chat.

"It must have been such a hard decision. Well done on what you’ve achieved. Nothing is permanent and the fates have dictated a new path for you ahead.

"Wishing you and your family all the best for the exciting times ahead."


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