CUSTOMERS of a Hailsham-based butcher are calling for the decision to close its outlet at a local garden centre to be overturned.
However, the owners of Sussex Larder, which operates from a number of locations, say it has been given no choice but to close its outlet at the Hillier Garden Centre.
The company has been given three months’ notice by the operators of the business due to some ‘exciting plans’.
Customers have taken to social media to air their disappointment of the closure. In a letter to its customers, Sussex Larder said: “We are immensely grateful for the loyalty and support you have shown us throughout the years. Your patronage has been the cornerstone of our success, and we appreciate every purchase, and connection we have had with each one of you.
Unfortunately, the decision to close our store was enforced by Hillier without prior discussion or consideration of alternatives.
We were not given the opportunity to explore options or find solutions that would allow us to continue. We wish to express our sincerest gratitude to our dedicated staff who have contributed their time, effort, and passion to making The Sussex Larder a part of this community.
While this store may be closing, our commitment to serving you remains unwavering. We hope to stay connected through our retail shops in Hailsham and Uckfield with potential future endeavours. We deeply regret any inconvenience or disappointment this closure may cause, and we appreciate your understanding during this difficult time. Once again, thank you for being a part of our journey.”
Director of Sussex Larder spoke to Hailsham News about the disappointing news. Mike Dawson told us: “We bring a lot of trade to the centre with people looking to buy local meat from a local company. In fact, we were told when we opened there, that the takings of the Garden Centre had gone up 20%, so we’re really disappointed about the move.”
George Hillier, Chairman Hillier Nurseries Ltd, told Hailsham News: “We have recently taken the decision to close the Sussex Larder counter in Hillier Garden Centre Eastbourne.
This was not a decision that was taken lightly, as we continue to grow and enhance our offering for our customers, it is a decision that was necessary to allow us to proceed with some exciting plans that we have to upgrade our food hall.
These upgrades will be very positive, bringing our customers an even wider choice and maintaining the high quality that they’ve come to expect from Hillier.
We are very grateful to be a part of the Hailsham community and are focused on continually supporting this wonderful community through our garden centre, food hall and restaurant.”
Sussex Larder has been trading from its shop in St. Mary’s Walk in Hailsham for 40 years and is continuing to do so following this decision. The company has been given until June 2024 to vacate the shop at Hillier’s.
The news comes as another local butcher was forced to close an outlet at the nearby Sharnfold Farm Shop.
