Newtown florist Asdaisydoes closing store amid cost of living crisis

Brick and mortar stores have been described as “not viable” by a Newtown florist, as an expert reveals ways to combat local closures.

Daisy Langley, owner of AsDaisyDoes, says the business closure is largely due to Covid-19 and the cost of living impacts. Picture: Alan Barber

Physical stores are no longer a viable option for business owners, a Newtown florist who’s announced her shop’s closure says.

Asdaisydoes owner Daisy Langley announced her bricks-and-mortar store on Rutland St would close.

The 32-year-old started the business when she was 21 years old, and said blamed the Covid-19 pandemic and cost of living crisis for the closure.

“I just don’t think physical stores are viable anymore,” Mrs Langley said.

“The backlash from Covid-19 and the cost of living – people just aren’t shopping in-store anymore.

Mrs Langley said having a physical store was “wasting money”. Picture: Alan Barber

“I feel like you’ve got all these overheads at the moment, but you’re not getting the returns you used to, so it’s just wasting money.”

In response, Mrs Langley said she was closing the physical side of the business, which was a sad but necessary decision.

Always looking on the bright side, Mrs Langley said she would be making the most of Asdaisydoes’ online site, and her other venture, Big Daisy, which she started during the pandemic.

Big Daisy is a pottery business that now wholesales across Australia.

“It costs me a quarter to run, and I can do it from my kitchen,” Mrs Langley said.

“It’ll be nice to get rid of the stress of having a store and staff, and just run things at home.

“I’ll miss the shop, but I also think it’s an exciting opportunity to do something else.”

Geelong Chamber of Commerce chief executive Jeremy Crawford said incremental increases were making it “incredibly hard” for some businesses in some sectors to continue operating.

He said increases in things like WorkCover premiums and the costs of gas and electricity were contributing to the strain.

“It’s become a real challenge,” Mr Crawford said.

“One thing (the Chamber) is trying to support businesses with is ensuring that they’re empowered, with the programs that can help enable their business to grow.”

Mr Crawford said there was “no doubt” the landscape for businesses constantly change, with changing consumer behaviour of particular note currently.

He said if people couldn’t show support to small businesses with their spending, they could be a voice for them within the community.

“(It’s important) to ensure that if businesses are needing some support, that the locals become advocates for them,” he said.

He said this included through social media and their personal networks.

Mr Crawford said he encouraged people to look into the support offered by the Chamber and other organisation, which may help give their business a boost.

Mrs Langley said she hoped her story showed other businesses they’re not alone in their struggles, and that it was possible to pivot.

Originally published as Newtown florist Asdaisydoes closing store amid cost of living crisis