'I am heartbroken' - Business at Merry Hill shopping centre announces it will close

Gift shop and tea room Oopsy Daisies is set to shut its doors for the final time on February 24 after more than 11 years at the Brierley Hill shopping complex. 

The business broke the news to customers on Facebook last week (February 6), saying it had "no choice" but to close, with "major alternations" needed to the shop among the reasons why.

The post read: "It is with huge sadness that we need to announce the closure of Oopsy Daisies.  

"It was only confirmed yesterday (February 5) and seems very surreal right now but due to major alterations needed in our unit and circumstances out of our control, we have no choice but to close.

"The last two years have been incredibly difficult and we have fought with everything within us to survive the economy and rising costs along with health issues, so we just don’t have the resources to continue somewhere else. 

"We had just started to turn a corner and had plans to make changes to our business structure which could have meant us continuing, but because of the major alterations needed, it has come to this conclusion suddenly. 

"We hope to continue online with our own handmade items, but this is a small part of the business and cannot sustain the company."

The post went on to say that "a lot of" its furniture and appliances would be gifted to a charity which is "hopefully planning on opening a coffee shop in the future".

'Tears have already been shed' 

It added: "We can say with all sincerity we will miss you and tears have already been shed within the Daisy team.

"...Oopsy Daisies began as a hobby just over 15 years ago and we have been at Merry Hill for just over 11 years, and it has been an adventure to say the least. I am heartbroken but leave with a thankful heart."

Hundreds of customers responded to the news on Facebook, with many describing their sadness.

One person wrote to the social media site: "This is such sad news. The only place in Merry Hill you can have an old fashioned pot of tea, with a proper cup and saucer and of course a slice of cake. 

"Always liked it here as a break from the madness. Food has always been excellent and staff lovely and friendly."

Another customer wrote: "So sorry to hear this. You’ve been my go-to in Merry Hill with friends and family, as you’ve created such a lovely atmosphere, range of products and lovely service. Best wishes and prayers for next steps for everyone."

The tea room at Oopsy Daisies was forced to temporarily close at the start of 2023 after evidence of a mouse infestation was found in its kitchen.

Environmental health officers from Dudley Council inspected the site on January 4, 2023, and discovered evidence of mice.

Inspectors applied for an emergency hygiene prohibition order, temporarily closing the team room, before a follow-up inspection a few days later found droppings in several areas of the premises.

The business was allowed to reopen shortly after.

Husband-and-wife team Matthew and Elizabeth Robins, who run Oopsy Daisies, appeared at Dudley Magistrates Court in April of last year where they were fined £2,500 between them after admitting five charges of failing to comply with EU provision concerning food safety and hygiene.

The pair were also ordered to pay part of the court costs of £500 and a victim surcharge of £1,000.