A SUPERMARKET has closed all its stores and doesn’t have the funds to pay its creditors.
HISBE Food (How It Should BE) is a supermarket and social enterprise with two stores: Brighton and Worthing.
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The self-styled “rebel retailer” was founded in 2013 by sisters and donated as much as 67p back to suppliers.
In 2019, it was stormed by militant vegans to protest cuts of “ethical” steak.
The meatless mob accused the business of “false advertising” on the basis that no farm animals are “happy”.
But, HISBE has now had to close both of its stores after it says sales haven’t rebounded following the pandemic and cost of living crisis.
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In a statement on Facebook, it says it had a disappointing Christmas trading period.
“So we have paused trading because it’s the responsible thing to do in our circumstances.
“Painful times…! And very daunting.”
The post goes on to say HISBE owes money to its staff, suppliers and lenders and they are now exploring options to raise funds to pay them.
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“We hope this is a temporary closure and we can find a way for this social enterprise to go forward and continue its important work. But it will take some time to figure out.
“We know we’re in the same boat as hundreds of other local small businesses right now… Solidarity to all of you out there going through this. After 13 years, this is our hardest challenge yet
Fans commenting on the post lamented the sorry state of Britain’s high streets.
One said: “Oh so awful to hear Hisbe you gave me hope from the start we can’t let the multinationals take over yes please crowd fund.”
Another said: “With the proposed (unnecessary) roadworks the new council are starting I doubt they will reopen in Brighton at that site.
“The whole area will be devastated further by valley gdns phase 3. It killed my shop when they did the last works there. Last thing businesses need but our council never cares about independents.”
A third said: “If crowdfunding does take place it needs to be used to pay their suppliers and staff instead of reopening just to lose (and owe) yet more money.”
Energy costs have risen and more shoppers than ever are choosing to order online rather than head into stores.
This has left some retailers grappling with budgets and having no choice but to close stores to cut costs.
Homebase closed a store last month leaving it with just 93 stores remaining since it was taken over by Hilco Capital in 2018.
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Poundstretcher has closed five stores this year with another due to close by next year.
Even charity shops are struggling Oxfam confirmed it would be closing eight of its UK stores this year.
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