A sustainable supermarket says pausing trading is the “responsible thing to do” after confirming it owes money to staff and suppliers.

Hisbe stores in Brighton and Worthing closed unexpectedly last weekend with staff told in an email that the business was “experiencing difficult circumstances”.

Their owners now say they are hoping to save the business from financial pressures piled on by the Covid-19 pandemic and cost of living crisis.

A Hisbe spokeswoman wrote on social media: “Following a painful four-year battle through Covid and the cost-of-living crisis we had a disappointing Christmas trading period and our recovery funding hasn’t come through.

“So we have paused trading because it’s the responsible thing to do in our circumstances. HISBE owes money to staff, suppliers and lenders and we are exploring all options to raise funds to pay our creditors.

The Argus: Hisbe's closed Brighton store earlier this weekHisbe's closed Brighton store earlier this week (Image: The Argus)

“We hope this is a temporary closure and we can find a way for this social enterprise to go forward and continue its important work. But it will take some time to figure out.

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“These are painful times and very daunting but we know we’re in the same boat as hundreds of other local small businesses right now.

“After 13 years this is our hardest challenge yet.”

Hisbe first started trading 2010 when sisters Ruth and Amy Anslow set up the shop. They now run sustainable supermarkets in York Place, Brighton, and Portland Road, Worthing.

An email sent to staff on Friday told them not to come into work as the stores were closing temporarily.

Signs in the window previously told customers that the store would be “hopefully back soon” after first closing last weekend.

Hisbe, standing for “How It Should Be”, operates as a social enterprise which looks to source products sustainably and from local providers.

The supermarket prides itself on offering products “thoughtfully sourced from small, local producers and brands that trade responsibly, fairly and sustainably”, according to its website.

In May last year Hisbe launched a crowdfunding campaign saying that they have been in “survival mode” and were also looking to open a store in Lewes this year.