A GIFT shop owner has announced she is closing the shop due to a lack of trade.

Just The Thing, in Edwards Walk, will be closing its doors for good.

Louise Harrison, 52, opened the business nearly four years ago when she spotted a gap in the market.

A final closing date is yet to be confirmed and until then she will be having a closing sale to clear the rest of her stock.

Mrs Harrison expressed her sadness after making the decision.

Maldon and Burnham Standard:

She said: “I have decided to close the shop solely based on the lack of sales in the last year.

“It is sad because I am just coming up to my fourth anniversary of owning the shop.

“I managed to grow the business each year despite Covid but last year it took a massive drop.

“I could carry on and loan the business more money but I don’t think it’s the right thing to do.

“I took the decision because I couldn’t see it growing.”

She added: “It is very frustrating as I get a lot of people through the door.

“Last year it was an accumulation of everything and the cost of living was the cherry on top of the cake and that’s definitely slowed down the business.

“With everything that happened last year, people weren’t coming out.

“I wish I could carry on. I love Maldon and I love the customers but you can’t do it for love - you have to think about paying the bills.

“The reason I set it up was because I hate buying gifts online and there is definitely a need for it.

“I set up a website because it supported the shop, with click and collect.

“However, I wouldn’t be able to continue the business solely online because with most of my suppliers, you need a shop premises to stock them.”

Mrs Harrisonis not sure what is next in store for her and plans to continue working with her shop assistant Maggie as a dog walker as well as continuing as a paddleboarding teacher this season.