The Cheese and Wine Shop in Darlington to close this week

The Cheese and Wine Shop, based on Clarks Yard in the town, revealed earlier this month that their final day of trading would be on Saturday (September 28) - citing financial and family reasons.

This venue has been in Darlington since 1999 and under the current ownership for the last five years - but will close for good at the end of this week. 

In a statement to customers, the owners, Claire and Katy, highlighted that August was their worst-performing month financially since opening - and also noted the struggles for all retailers on the high street.

The statement read: "We’ve made the tough decision that the all-consuming pressure that comes with running a small business, is no longer something we can cope with, given our exceptional personal circumstances.

"We still firmly believe if someone had the energy and resources to set up online delivery, open 6 days a week for longer hours without taking a wage, and analyse stock sales and margins properly, invest some more cash, expand into a bigger premise and re-start the sell-out tasting nights, the shop could flourish into a successful business.

The Cheese and Wine Shop, based on Clarks Yard in Darlington (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

"But, we haven’t got that in us right now, so instead, all we can manage is to tick over, which is OK, but compartmentalising some of the pressure that comes with that is getting harder. 

"We also want to be honest and recognise the difficulties facing the high street right now.

"August has been our worst trade in five years, and we’re down 10 per cent year on year for this month (despite enjoying relative growth up to this point), and this has ‘sealed the deal’ for us.

"We’ve seen many other Darlington-based businesses close their doors and claim it’s for other reasons, but we speak with each other and all admit how hard it is becoming so we want to be honest and say it is REALLY hard, particularly in retail, if only we could make our own cheese!"

But, several days before its closure on September 28, the shop has now issued an updated statement with new opening times for the final days of trading, while also encouraging as many customers to come in and say farewell before it shuts its door for the final time. 

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Posting on social media, the Cheese and Wine Shop said: "Yikes! Can you believe it’s our last week of trading? Just an update on our opening times, we’ve changed them slightly to make sure you can get all your cheesy needs satisfied.

"The Beautiful Barbara is holding down the fort Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 9.30am-2.30pm and then Saturday 9.30am-2.30pm. This is the last time (and practically the first time for Katy ) we’ll be behind the counter, so do pop in to say goodbye.

"We’ll be hanging around after closing to have a drink and a bit of a chat, so please bring a chair, bring a glass, bring a bottle. We’d love to see you."