25/05/2026
Hello everyone. Eric here, just putting it out there that I am very grateful to all of you for your business. I am struggling a little at the moment, but I am prioritising keeping the stores well stocked, and the business rolling. I am struggling for several reasons; one is my hubris in opening the store in Radlett, thinking it will rapidly grow, as did my store in Hemel. The store in Radlett is growing, but much more slowly than anticipated. The customers in Radlett are not so much in to their raw and natural food as you legends in Hemel are. I overstaffed Radlett at the outset, anticipating faster growth, and being a soft touch I was very slow to adjust staffing and reduce the payroll.
The other major handicap to my business, is that my poor old Dad has advanced dementia, and I am paying for much of the cost of his care home. This is one of the downsides of working for a small sole trader like myself, the personal stuff in my life impacts and compromises what is available for my employees.
The other major challenge right now is that one of my former employees has set up business round the corner, selling many of the products that I sell. It's a free world, and good luck etc. I offer an instore shopping experience, where you can bring your dog and we'll all have a nice time, or you can click and collect your stuff from a shed round the corner, at a time that is convenient for the business owner. I am convenient seven days a week, all day long.
Right now I am paying off debts I ran up last year, with the added stress of the insecurity over my tenancy at Hillier Garden Centre. Sometimes I get very stressed and anxious, but what I absolutely love is being in store and serving you guys. Working in store is my dose of positivity. I love your dogs, your support, and the banter. The store is Radlett is slowly growing, and we have had many new customers in Hemel this year. Borrowed money should be all paid up in the next couple of months, and then life and stock availability will get a lot easier.
*some of what I originally posted has been deleted, because someone has rightfully corrected me. Some of what I wrote was poorly written, and misleading. Going forward, I will be winding-in the mud-slinging and negativity. I've said what I've said, and from now on you will find my Facebook a very positive and drama-free experience. I am a bit battered and burnt out right now, but I have great staff, and I have you guys, and it's going to be alright.
