A BUSINESS owner says a weight has been lifted off her shoulders as her beloved balloon shop has officially re-opened after a “race against time” to find a new site.
Heartfelt Balloons in Hadleigh opened its doors at its new home on 325 London Road on Saturday, just eight days after leaving its location on the same street.
The shop had faced uncertainty after owner, Justina Morrell, 53, from Benfleet, was told in July her business would have to vacate the former premises by October.
“It feels like a big weight has been lifted, and it’s good to back in business with no more sleepless nights,” Justina said.
“It’s been a very stressful few months to be honest, it’s been tough going. The new shop is much nicer, fresher, newer, more modern.”
She added around 50 customers flocked to her shop to mark its re-opening, and has since seen an uptick in business.
Justina, who worked day and night with husband, Mark, 55, said the shop was on a tight timescale to close up their previous shop and re-open the new location in time.
This proved even more stressful due to the busy Christmas period which is an important time for the business.
She added: “The reopening went better than I could have imagined with lots of customers, lots of sales, and good positive feedback.
“Not it’s onwards and upwards, for the future we are looking to build more customers, with the power of social media I’ve already gained new customers.”
The shop will be taking part in the Hadleigh Community Christmas Trail this year, and will participate in a competition for the best dressed window.
Justina thanked all those who helped make the move a reality, especially her husband who put in “hard graft” for 12 hours a day to get it re-opened.
She also thanked Peter the Pleater Blinds and Shutters in South Woodford for the shop’s new blinds, and Design Print and Display in Leigh for their work on her new shopfront.
“We worked day and night over the course of eight days to get everything sorted. It’s been exhausting, but all worth it,” she added.
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