Simon Dunn Chocolatier has closed its doors this weekend much to the surprise and disappointment of many local customers.
Simon Dunn, who has built his family business over 25 years with the help of his wife Anne, daughter Camilla and son Oliver, has taken the difficult decision to close their store on Alderley Road.
In a letter to his customers Simon said "It is with deep sadness I have had to cease trading from this wonderful shop."
He goes on to explain that whilst the shop may appear "busy, popular and good" once the VAT, rent and rates, wages, electricity, insurance, telephone, bins and bank charges are all paid and the ingredients purchased there was no profit left for the family.
He added "I have been very lucky as everyone who has ever worked for me has always stood by me and down their best, without these maybe this could have happened sooner.
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank my amazing customers. I hope you understand and will continue to buy my chocolates which will still be available online at simondunnchocolates.co.uk or email [email protected]."
Simon Dunn's chocolates will also still be available to buy from their recently opened shop on Chestergate, Macclesfield which is run by his daughter Camilla and son-in-law Andy as well as their other stores including Hazel Grove and Chorlton.
Simon added "Hope to see you all around soon and once again thank you from myself and my wife Anne (I hoped to have told you about this prior to closing but was always too emotional to do this).
"Any orders of large quantities of chocolates we will be happy to deliver locally, also we will be contacting customers who have placed orders for collection so don't worry we haven't disappeared."
Comments
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May your other shops thrive & continue for many more generations.
There are dozens of coffee shops in Wilmslow and this was one of the very best.
As Dave said, at least we can now accomadate another charity shop.
Soon I imagine Grove street will charity shops on both sides and Shelter patrolling the middle.
It is sad to see any popular Wilmslow business close but I assume Simon Dunn made a business decision based on income/expenditure in Wilmslow and perhaps influenced by opening a new shop in Macc and the increase in pavement cafes in Wilmslow. He is also following the current High St trend by providing an on-line outlet for his bespoke chocs.
Sorry to see you go but a pragmatic decision.
Several new retail outlets have opened in Wilmslow over the last year, inc one in an ex Charity shop! Some new local retailers in the Town have been encouraged to open by their success at the monthly Artisan Market.
Charity shops may help landlords avoid business rates but IMO they are preferable to pay day loan shops & those that buy unwanted gold jewellery for virtually scrap valuations, though all may find a market in Wilmslow.
It seems the only one's doing well are High end Retail and let's face it as money gets tighter even middle big earners are drawing in their belts I think the High Street should bring in Rather than charity shops etc why not go back to when People lived in a Town in Property alongside shops as they still do In lots of parts of London, Kings Road Chelsea where I lived for 4 years had its shops,flats house's a real nice mix and always such as buzz its great to live with a real mix of things as it brings in a different vibe to an area.
Simon Dunn's, you will be really missed.
If we analyse Simon Dunn's figures we can see where our cash goes. In his case around 18% to greedy landlords who rarely maintain their property (cast your eyes around the first floor level of most local shops) 7% tax (rates) 16.7% VAT plus further tax contributions via wages and NI. If Simon had takings of an extra £200 per week for himself, after VAT, tax and NI he would have been left with £4885 as a 20% taxpayer or £4166 as a 40% taxpayer per annum. Is it any wonder that the high street retailer struggles to make business pay or that retail prices have to be so high when the various vultures want their share first? If you wonder what National Insurance is supposed to pay for, research, and then ask why our pensioners are under attack after contributing all their lives to funds for Governments to waste.
Tipping point approaches faster and faster!!!