Dinghams in Salisbury closes after 40 years on high street
Bosses Nicola and Rebecca say they're leaving with their heads held high
A Salisbury shop closing it's doors after 40 years has told us it's costs have doubled over the last eight years.
Family-run cookware store Dinghams leaves the high street in the city today, with the shops current owners telling Greatest Hits Radio it wasn't a decision taken lightly.
it's been a battle for the whole 8 years my sister and I have been running it," said current owner Nicola Hardingham, who runs the store alongside her sister Rebecca.
She added: "We've been adapting and changing and fighting and we just can't do it anymore.
"The costs has risen by it's doubled since 2017 and people aren't spending double. We've not really had any help from the government or anything like that."
Nicola and Rebecca have fought against Brexit, the Novichok attacks, the Covid-19 pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis during their spell in charge, but have been left with no other alternative.
"We've done our best and we can leave with our heads held high. I feel like there's nothing else we could have done and I'm very proud of my family," Nicola said.
She said that she doesn't know a world without Dinghams, having spent her childhood in the shop, which was originally on Fisherton Street.
Nicola insisted that the rest of the family backed the decision to close, saying: "They understand the decision. They support us and they're all sad because it's like losing a family member, but they totally get it."
She has thanked all the customers who have helped support the shop to reach this point, urging the public to continue supporting independent and unique businesses.
The premises near the Market Place is up for sale but will be given one final send off before the Hardingham family let's it go.
Nicola told us that the store will host an exhibition of artwork by her grandmother, Rosemary Dickens, who passed away last year.
She said: "She was an amazing artist. She had some exhibitions in the museum, so it's a little homage to her. While we have the space, I want to show her work and do something positive after a tough year."
The exhibit will be on display from 27th April.