Earlier this month, 2013 Merseyside Woman of the Year Winner Louise Gillespie and daughter Jessie Hill, founders of fashion boutique Jessie & Co shared an emotional post on social media, highlighting the challenges being faced by many small businesses in the current economic climate.
On her Facebook page, Jessie posted: “Unfortunately the reality is that us & many other small businesses won’t be here much longer. It breaks my heart. Something me & my mum have worked so hard for over the past 13 years for. Current times are making it near impossible for us to survive & we’re going to have to make some very big decisions soon.
“I know times are difficult for everyone with the cost of living, but if you can shop small please do. Whether it’s a gift for someone or you just fancy treating yourself please pop in and pay us a visit you will always receive the best customer service, little gab & supporting a local business. Or you can shop online with us too www.jessieandco.co.uk
“We’re not just for ‘young skinny girls’ we have clothing ranges going up to a size 22. Cater for all ages from 12-82. We sell clothes, bags, shoes, sunglasses, sunglasses chains, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, scarves! I’m sorry for a bit of a negative post first thing, but after trying to be positive for so long after the worst year already I needed a bit of a rant.”
Fortunately, Merseyside’s amazing community reacted in the best way possible, sending love and support (and new social media followers) via the company’s social media channels and website, prompting a follow up post from Jessie a few days later.
You can read Jessie and Louise’s response and the background on their Instagram page here.
Here at MWOTY, we know just how hard things are at the moment for businesses, charities and organisations of all sizes and types, so if you can, please shop small, shop local and encourage those in your network to do the same.
Oh, and don’t forget to check out Jessie & Co: jessieandco.co.uk
