In the run up to Christmas over the years the Shop has held an open evening for customers to have a drink and some nibbles, and maybe try a few new products. Having had to cancel last year’s due to Lockdown, we have been looking forward to holding an event this year, on 25th November. Previous evening ‘get togethers’ have been fun for both staff and customers, and good for sales too!
Sadly and very reluctantly, though, we have decided to cancel this year’s open evening.
As in 2020, Covid is the reason. Although the pandemic is perhaps less severe than last year, having discussed it at length, the Shop Committee decided that an event where people would be crowding into a smallish space (especially if the weather isn’t kind) with numbers difficult to control, was not a wise thing to do. It would certainly go against Government and NHS advice. As a Community Shop, we have responsibilities other than purely commercial ones. You may be aware that we have already cancelled our planned get together and update evening for shareholders, for the same reasons.
It’s fair to say that the Committee had varying views on this, and none of us welcomed cancellation, but we feel it is right to go with the consensus that we should not hold the event at this time. Hopefully, things will improve over the coming weeks and we may be able to get together for a Spring Event!
In the meantime, all our other Christmas preparations are continuing as normal and we will be publishing our Festive Season opening hours shortly. There are lots of lovely Christmassy things in stock already.
Bliss and all our staff look forward to seeing you and wish you a Merry and Safe Christmas season.