‘I’ve spent two days crying’ reveals owner of bakery as it closes all branches except one due to ‘ever-increasing bills’

A POPULAR bakery chain has shut all of its branches except one due to rising rents and bills.

Cheran’s Bakery has five stores across Kent but is closing four of them with immediate effect.

Owner Cheran Friedman opened up her first bakery in Sittingbourne in June 2022 and expanded to locations in Faversham, Canterbury, Maidstone and Rochester.

However, the business owner posted an emotional statement to Facebook yesterday that she has made the “heartbreaking” decision to close all locations except Sittingbourne.

It read: “I’ve spent the entire 2 days crying and putting it into words on here is just the final heartbreak.”

She went on to say that although the shops were thriving it was just “not viable” to keep the shops going with the “ever increasing rents, rates and utility bills”.

The baked goods boss said: “I had such big plans for the business this year, but with more bad news and no help from our government – I’ve made the really tough decision to go back to basics.”

Customers will still be able to buy from the Sittingbourne shop and also order online via the website.

The post was quickly flooded with comments of support for the small business owner.

One person said: “So sad to hear this and wish you every success for the future, never give up on your dreams, you’re amazing.”

Another added: “A temporary setback in your journey . Stay positive and carry on doing what you do.”

While a third commented: “This isn’t the end, it is still just the beginning, and the brand will grow again.”

Cheran went on to thank her staff and urged people to support her and any other independent shops as “small companies really need your support.”

Already in 2024 many retailers big and small have been pulling the shutter down for the final time.

The rising cost of living has shoppers thinking twice before they spend their hard earned cash.

The lack of money being spent and the rising cost of everything it takes to keep a business going is the leaving many with no choice.

Another independent bakery chain recently announced it would be closing two of its branches due to “crippling” energy costs.

The devestated owner called for the government and energy firms such as British Gas to offer more support to business owners.

Also just after Christmas a seaside chippy that has been going for 62 years announced it would not be reopening.

This left fans were devastated with many saying it had the “best fish and chips in the world.”

Larger businesses are also suffering and many have already earmarked stores that will be closing in 2024.

One department store with 30 branches is set for over the next couple of months.

Meanwhile popular chain The Body Shop made an announcement this week that it is axing one of its popular services leaving fans gutted.

Major chains such as Next, Jack Wills and Poundland are also closing branches this year.

We have the full list of all the shops set to close down in 2024.