B the Lifestyle Shop becomes latest victim of cost-of-living crisis in Newbury

Another popular Newbury independent store has become a victim of the cost-of-living crisis.

B the Lifestyle Shop, which is based in Bartholomew Street, will close its doors for the last time next weekend.

A statement announcing the news was posted on the shop’s Instagram account last night (Friday) by owner Emma Bees.

It said: “It’s with a very heavy heart I have to announce the closure of B

“We’ve had an incredible 6 years here, and I just want to thank my amazing team and for all your wonderful support.

“Not going to lie this year has been utter s***, the living crisis hit us hard and trying to run a biz, a family, have a life and everything, it just got too much mentally.”

The store is now open for one more week selling all stock and equipment in a 50 per cent off sale.

Mrs Bees fulfilled her dream when she opened in the town centre store in August 2017. She moved to new, larger premises on Bartholomew Street during the first Covid lockdown in 2020.

Earlier this week another Newbury independent, 137 Distillery, also announced it was closing immediately.

Owner of the Parkway-based bar/restaurant, Pete Lumber, said it was with “great sadness and a heavy heart” , the business would be closing.

137 Distillery faced challenges post-Covid and, more recently, with the increasing cost-of-living crisis.

These challenges, he said, made it impossible for them to continue to trade.

And on Wednesday it was also reported that the company which runs The King Charles Tavern in Newbury town centre could also be heading for voluntary liquidation.

Vital Events (UK) Ltd has been trading as The King Charles Tavern and The Broad Face pub in Abingdon, Oxfordshire.

A resolution to wind up the company is to be considered at a general meeting of company members on Tuesday, July 25.