A popular discount business in Penrith is closing after starting up during the pandemic in summer 2020.
Penrith Pop & Bargains, run by Kieran Parker, or Mr Pop, ceased trading on Friday with a sell-off of stock.
Kieran, 27, ran it with his partner Charlotte, and told the Herald that rising inflation had driven up costs this year.
One of the goals of the business was to support the community and pass on discounts, rather than making big profits.
“When we first started, cases of pop cost £1 and now you’re paying £4,” explained Kieran. “Even if you sell at £5, once you’ve deducted your VAT and National Insurance you’re running at a loss.”
The young entrepreneur says he will be back with another business, having started out selling pop from a shipping container on the Gilwilly estate before expanding into rented premises.
His weekly video clips racked up thousands of views and its Facebook page amassed 13,000 followers, some from around the world.
He and Charlotte could not thank people enough for all their support and kind messages, he said.
The focus is now turning to a sister business, Dinky Donuts Hire.
