TWO sisters who ran one of Inverclyde’s best known newsagents say they were ‘too exhausted’ to keep the shop going.
Caroline and Heather Gibson, who were the third generation of their family to run Willie Gibsons in Union Street, say closing the shop is a ‘positive decision for their health and wellbeing’.
The duo, who worked over 80 hours a week, say they were struggling to cope with the increasing pressure placed on their small business.
Now they are looking forward to spending more time with their families.
Caroline, pictured, told the Tele: “Heather and myself both decided we wanted to move on in life.
“It has taken us over a year to make this decision, but we view it as a positive one.
“The main reason for closing is that we are simply exhausted, and we didn’t feel like we had any personal lives.
“We want to thank all the customers for the support they have given our family over the past 80 years.
“Closing the shop was a big decision for us, but we decided we wanted a life and knew it was the right time to move on.”
Caroline said that several other factors also influenced their decision to close.
She added: “There are so many rules and regulations being placed on small businesses, such as the sugar tax on soft drinks which is set to come in next year.
“There was also a rise in rents and overheads — everything was going up.
“I do feel that small businesses are not helped to prosper in this town at all.
“Everything is stacked against you.”
Caroline also said that parking was a big issue.
She said: “Due to the restrictions that came into force in the town centre, people are leaving their cars all day long outside the shop, making it difficult for customers.
“I can’t blame the drivers for it. We spoke to a couple of councillors but nothing was done.”
She also believes that fewer people are choosing to shop in Greenock.
Caroline added: “The town centre is dying on its feet.
“The place is quiet. Everybody will be going up to the new Port Glasgow retail park in the future.
“Greenock is done. We can’t compete with the supermarkets and big shopping centres.”
The sisters say they are now looking forward to a well-earned break.
Caroline added: “We’ve not had a holiday in 15 years so we’re looking forward to that.”