Rosie's Boutique in Scotland closes after seven years

A gift and clothing store called Rosie’s Boutique in West Port, Scotland, has closed down after being in business for seven years. The owner made a heartfelt appeal for the community to support local shops, especially as many small businesses are struggling due to competition from large online retailers like Amazon. The boutique’s owner shared on Facebook that customer visits had decreased over time. She emphasized how important it is for people to actively support local businesses to keep them alive. After selling the store's inventory, she plans to launch a new venture selling vintage clothing from home called Baggy Trousers Vintage. This closure comes amid larger challenges facing retailers across the UK. The British Retail Consortium predicts a tough year ahead, with many stores expected to close due to rising costs and changing shopping habits. Over 17,000 retail sites are forecasted to shut down in 2025, following around 13,000 closures in 2024. Additionally, factors like rising energy costs, increasing online shopping, and new taxes are pressing down on small retailers. Experts warn about potential job losses in the retail sector, predicting that as many as 202,000 jobs could be lost this year. Many familiar high street names are facing similar pressures, leading to significant store closures and job cuts. The dire situation highlights the need for community support in keeping local businesses alive during these challenging times.