A SALISBURY gift shop closed on Sunday after less than a year in the city.

The Fox in the Forest owner Vicki Elder said she had found trading in Salisbury tougher than expected after opening in February, and an offer on the lease was "too good to an opportunity to miss".

Vicki said she had been torn between her well-established Ringwood shop, which remains open, and the branch in New Canal.

After a stressful year, juggling the two had become too much.

"Salisbury wasn't as good as we needed it to be," said Vicki.

"Retail is incredibly hard now. You are up against the internet."

She described how people would come into the Salisbury shop and take pictures of the stock on their phones before telling her they were going to see if they could find the items cheaper online.

"How can I compete with that?

"People aren't thinking long term. If it wasn't for little shops like mine they wouldn't be getting the ideas."

Vicki said she had been looking to stay open until January, but the newsagent next door came in with an offer and wanted to be in by Christmas.

The shop was inundated with messages of support on its Facebook page when it announced the closure.

One customer wrote: "Always go with what feels right. The Ringwood shop is an absolute gem and the most important thing in life is to be happy xxx"

In a message to customers, Vicki Elder and Andrew Harriss posted on Facebook: "So this year has been all about learning some pretty big lessons.

"Firstly that sometimes you can spread yourself a little bit too thin and take on more than you can handle.

"Secondly sometimes it doesn't matter how hard you work and how much you believe in something it doesn't always work.

Thirdly stress can have a terrible effect on your health.

"And last that to have true happiness you have to have a dog!

"With all the lessons above being well and truly learnt, I have to share with you the news that Salisbury shop is now closed, "Yes it is crazy to close just before Christmas I hear you say, but with the shop next door wanting to expand and take over the lease it is too good an opportunity to miss.

"Ringwood is still open!! And will continue as always, that one I can manage!!

"Thankyou to everyone who has supported us in Salisbury I hope you will visit us in Ringwood. Xxx"