Mauchline business: Sharma Lee on Loudoun Street to close

But Sharma Lee Spirituality will live on in online setting once the doors to the store in Loudoun Street have closed.

Sharma announced in July last year that it would be closing due to health reasons.

But less than a month later she announced she'd changed her mind after receiving "incredible local support".

The store has received a number of upgrades since then - but Sharma has now decided that the time has come to close the physical store for good and turn the business into an online-only operation.

The shop will stay open for a short while. (Image: Submitted)

Desscribing the decision as incredibly tough, but necessary, she told the Chronicle: "I've absolutely loved being in Mauchline, but this is feels like the right time to close the shop.

"I'm heart-broken at having to make the decision but it's the right one in terms of the business.

"I was overwhelmed with the support wanting me to stay open the last time, but us shopkeepers are finding it harder and harder to get people to come through the doors.

"We're all in the middle of this cost of living crisis, and I think that has had an effect.

"But people are still shopping in other ways, so I'm wanting to let people know that we'll be continuing in an online version".

Despite the sad announcement, Sharma Lee is looking forward to one last day in particular before closing the doors.

Sharma Lee. (Image: Submitted)

She added: "I'm hoping the Mauchline Holy Fair can be a great day and effectively a kind of leaving party for the shop.

"We'll probably stay open until the middle of June, but that is the main day I'm looking forward to and getting people in the shop.

"I need people to know that I'm not closed yet and I still need people to come in and buy the items we have in the store.

"It is a sad announcement, and it's a shame for Mauchline, but I suppose it's kind of a sign of the way things are going.

"I'm so thankful for the support I've had from people throughout."