The owner of a Gloucester Road plant shop with its own outdoor garden has said there’s “no sign of economic recovery on the horizon” and she is ‘unable to pay her bills’.
Shop owner Tya took to social media on Sunday (March 16) to announce that, because of these reasons, she would be closing her beloved Wild Leaf business on the bustling independent shopping location, after seven years.
Sharing a photo of a sign detailing the store’s closing down sale (which starts on Tuesday, March 18, ‘until sold out’) she said: “I have poured my heart and soul into Wild Leaf over the last seven years. It’s been a labour of love that has brought much joy and many wonderful people into my life, but has also taken a toll on my health. Since summer 2023 sales have been declining and continue to do so.
“Unfortunately there is no sign of economic recovery on the horizon and I am unable to pay my bills. Check out our stories for sale details. I am grateful for all our wonderful customers for supporting Wild Leaf, and my amazing staff whose dedication has helped me keep going.
“Please continue to shop local as much as possible. Business rates are going up next month for many businesses and they will need the community’s support to stay open.”
Taking to the comments, locals were quick to share their sadness at this news. One said: “This is so so sad. I remember coming in, and getting some of my longest living house plants from you.
“The care, and attention you gave my partner, and I. The info cards.. I still have, I could never throw them away. I’m so sorry! I wish you all the best in your future. New seeds will grow.”
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A second wrote: “I’m so sorry to hear that. You have been an asset to Gloucester Road. Please let us know your closing date so we can help ensure you have a busy time til then.”
And a third commented: “Really sorry to see you go! Absolutely love your shop and never left empty handed. Best of luck for whatever you end up doing next.”
BristolLive reported back in 2022 how Tya’s Wild Leaf store had opened an inner-city garden centre in its back garden, as a means of introducing more sustainable ways of gardening without the need of a car. The shop also introduced a new terrarium bar and workshops for customers who could learn how to create some exciting plant additions to their home.
The Wild Leaf team, who moved into their current store in March 2021, believe that they were the “first independent plant shop within walking distance from the city centre and with easy transport links” to offer this garden centre option. During that time, the business boasted a number of sell-out ‘Eggarium’ workshops, which saw customers get together to create their own egg-shaped terrarium.
You can find Wild Leaf at 43 Gloucester Road. No closing date has been confirmed as of yet.