CHALE Stores has closed its doors until further notice — but the owner said he hoped to reopen it.

The shop ceased trading last Wednesday after managers Jo Hofmann and Chris Smith decided it was no longer financially viable.

They have placed a closed sign in the window, thanking customers for their support over the years.

Chale Parish Council held a meeting to discuss the future of the shop, but the press and public were excluded as the matter was deemed commercially confidential — the council had signed a non-disclosure agreement during previous buyout negotiations with property owner Vern Tyerman.

As reported, it had previously planned to buy the shop as a community asset — but Chris said the deal had collapsed, leaving them facing 'an absolute nightmare.'

Mr Tyerman told the County Press he intended to reopen the store in a matter of months, and would adopt a more 'contemporary' approach.

The American businessman said the previous model had become increasingly redundant as more customers shopped online.

He also said there were more supermarkets on the Island than ever before.

Chale Parish Council chair Cllr Ron Groves said: “The closure of the store is extremely disappointing for the village.”

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