Pierpoint Pet Supplies closed its doors in September, ending a period of 36 years serving the village and its animal lovers. Andrée had worked in the shop since she was 18, with a small break but it has been in her family all that time. “I have mixed emotions,” said Andrée, “the lease is up and it is not worth renewing. We will miss all the customers; we are lucky, not all retailers get lovely customers, but they are animal people and they are lovely people.” Covid accelerated the changing habits of customers, especially the younger generation, with online orders and deliveries becoming more normal. “Foot fall is down about two thirds from five years ago,” commented Lee. “Things are not going to stay the same,” added Andrée “and things are supposed to change, if everything stayed the same everyone would be bored silly.” A fire in the shop was a low point although it bought a regenerated shop and they were able to trade from Washbrooks during that turbulent time. To thank them, Debbie Clare instigated a GoFundMe page for Andrée and Lee which has raised over £3,200. “We can’t believe how much people have given it’s been amazing - thank you very much everybody.” Andrée will be working full time for a butcher in Partridge Green whilst Lee will assess his options and they will both miss Hurstpierpoint but promise to still come and visit.