Party is over as Balloonees shuts up shop, moves online

Events such as the Muratti, Liberation Day, Euro 2020 and Olympics would usually support running costs of rent, wages and utilities.

As an independent non-essential retail store, owners Mark and Vicky Passmore did not qualify for income support but even with this it would still have been a struggle.

Mr Passmore said: ‘Vicky and I are both happy with our decision to close. We fully support the direction given by the States of Guernsey to ensure safety and health as paramount during the Covid-19 pandemic, and the need to isolate, distance and restrict movement.

‘As most of our trade heavily relied on events, along with the closing down of tourism this year, it was clear that with no end in sight and retail opening up any time soon it would be a struggle to meet the financial demands a physical closed shop would force upon us.’

Once the decision was made at the end of March, stock was donated during April.

‘We worked with many local charities and fundraiser organisers to ensure that the majority of our stock was donated so that their events when they are able to commence have resources. Many Easter products, toys and plush products were donated to the PEH and associated children’s health units for patients, nurses and their families.

‘Christmas stock was split between the PEH and mental health charity fundraisers. Halloween and other products were donated to the Lions Club, giftware products were donated to Ernie’s Angels. We wanted to end our tenancy on a high knowing that so many good local causes would eventually benefit from our decision to give up the shop.’

Locally-themed products are available on the online store.

Parish-related and custom-print products are being developed along with tourist items and collectables including the 75th Liberation coin.

Mr Passmore encouraged people to support local businesses that would be suffering during lockdown.

‘I hope that all of your readers will think hard about using their services, if they still survive the unknown timescale of restrictions.’

Balloonees will continue to trade with a reduced product range, with items that can easily be posted.

‘We have had 16 glorious years of loyal, happy, weird and wonderful customers – many as friends – and we have been privileged to have been able to support many local charities, schools and health care services during that time.’