Sweet Charlie’s in Newport has announced its sudden closure, just days after launching an appeal to raise £35,000 amid financial difficulties.
It has been confirmed on social media that the popular dessert shop will be closed from today (Tuesday) onwards, but the owners insist it is only temporary.
It’s said that the closure will allow the team to re-evaluate the business and properly assess its financial position.
Just last week Island Echo reported on a crowdfunding campaign that had been launched to raise a staggering £35,000 to keep the business afloat, with the news receiving a mixed reaction from readers. The appeal has raised just £1,556 to date.
It is hoped by the owners, Charlie and Dave, that the sudden closure will mean they potentially still have an opportunity to re-establish themselves in the future.
The High Street shop first opened in May 2021 – during the COVID pandemic – and initially proved hugely popular. However, things haven’t been as rosy of late with blame put on the business’ accountant for not keeping the team up to date on figures, as well as excessive staffing.
In a statement, it’s been said:
“We are trying to contact all bookings, so please contact us if we haven’t managed to get hold of you personally.
Article continues below this advertisement “It’s been a truly hard decision to make but it has to be done.
“Thanks to everybody for your support and we hope we have brought lots of happiness and smiles to many of you over the time that we’ve been open”.
So what is happening 2 the money already raised ?????
Surely in this climate it was unreal to ask for money !!!!
You must have known £35-000 was never going to happen …..
Let’s hope you give it back to those that donated, or a local charity ….
Look forward to seeing what the outcome is !!!!!!!??????
Their fundraiser is an all or nothing, meaning if they dont reach their target amount then all money is returned to the donators and the company don’t recieve any of it
And they’re asking for money for a business not making profit. Best ask the government or the Isle of Wight council. Sounds like something they’d invest in
Sadly not all businesses succeed It’s a risk every entrepreneur takes, unless, of course, he knows someone in government with a juicy PPE contract to give away.
I feel sorry for them. it’s a stressful situation to be in and a real shame.
Because they are open until late, I thought they might attract Friday and Saturday night drinkers that fancy something to snack on in between or after their pub crawl. Although, the price of beer may have impacted this to an extent, and yes I know their main market is for children and teenagers, but you have to cater for as many people as possible these days.
They’re reasonably priced, open until late and are dog friendly so I hope things can be worked out for Charlie and Dave. Best of luck.
I think this may have been part of the problem, it’s neither one thing nor the other. What I mean is, it’s done up like a seaside eatery, and it’s selling waffles and ice-creams, but it’s in the ‘wrong end’ of town for that (if indeed Newport is the right place at all). To my mind, rightly or wrongly, this is the drinking area of Newport, not ice-creams and waffles. Maybe they would have been better off somewhere like Shanklin seafront by the amusements etc but there’s already competition there.
Maybe the fact that even a national chain like Starbucks couldn’t make it should have been a warning sign? Not exactly the same, I know, but in a similar line of business.
Any cheap waffles or pancakes going?
A sad situation for this business, however this is totally the correct decision, the owners need to re-evaluate their company and decide if it is viable, the crowdfunding appeal was never a viable proposition and that is clear from the small amount raised.
I really do wish the owners well, but also fear their lack of judgement over all suggests they will in future require a great deal of assistance, unfortunately there seems to be a lack of business skills currently to see this through to a happy conclusion.
With few dentists now, it could be a God send to see it close. Shame for the owners though.
With the current expenses incurred by businesses in Newport independent stores have no chance.Nobody actually goes to Newport too look around but just go for a particular reason such as going to the bank or Morrisons.
Is it me or is that building cursed? Nothing seem to last there