Fakenham gift shop House of Beane goes online only

But Tracey Beane, owner of House of Beane, said she saw the closure of her gift shop in Fakenham as the start of a new chapter.

After moving her shop from The Drift to Upper Market Place last February, Mrs Beane closed it last month in favour of selling online and at a market stall.

Mrs Beane said: “I don't regret having my shop as it was a great experience, it's just a shame the cost of living has risen so much and is forcing so many businesses to close.

“I'm just grateful I have been able to change direction and continue my small business, just in another way.”

Mrs Beane said a drastic rise in utility bills and a sharp decline in sales were reasons she had to close the shop.

House of Beane on Upper Market Place in Fakenham closed last month (Image: Aaron McMillan)

She said she luckily had a break-out clause in her lease, allowing her to leave after a year if “things were not working out.” 

She said: “I felt sad to leave the shop and my customers, I met so many lovely people and miss my chats.

"Due to the rising cost of living people understandably were cutting back on non-essentials.” 

Tracey Beane, owner of House of Beane (Image: Archant)

House of Beane continues online and Mrs Beane sells her wax melts in The 'Erb Lady on Bridge Street. She has also had a weekly stall at the Fakenham Flea Market since January.

She said: “The market stall is going well with lots of my regular customers from the shop coming to visit.

“It is a great market with lots of interesting stalls and friendly stall holders who have made me feel very welcome.  

"Unfortunately, I can't fit all my stock on my stall so I also have an online shop.”