04/02/2026
π¨π£οΈ Four years ago I took the biggest chance of my life and purchased Earth Warriors with the hope of making the world a little better than when I came into it. Sadly, it looks like this will be the final two months of trading π’
Some of you will already know β or have seen in The Northern Echo β that planning permission has been granted to a neighbouring business to expand into the space currently occupied by Earth Warriors. With the penultimate pieces of a deal coming together (just getting a contract written up to formalise the transfer), I can now put a date on my final day of trading: Tuesday, March 31st.
I've successfully steered the business away from practically losing money when I first took over, to actually earning enough to pay taxes last year. That may not sound impressive to some, but for a new(ish), independent, high street retailer, it's something I'm very, VERY proud of. The business actually was continuing on that upward trajectory, which makes this decision even harder.
Having worked 6 days a week for over 4 years, the offer to leave on a high note was more appealing than the alternative: exhausting my lease and having to relocate the business, reinvest money doing new signs, committing to another 5-year lease etc...
I DO think the business has the support of enough people in and around Darlington to survive long-term in other premises, but I think β realistically β it's more of a passion project for someone who wants to make a difference in the world by providing the service of sustainable shopping, rather than someone who wants an early retirement π
I'll spend the next couple of months selling equipment and stock off, but if anyone has ever fancied running their own sustainable, refill shop (just not at the current location of Earth Warriors) now is the time to grab a deal on a bunch of fixtures, fittings and equipment to run your own shop/cafΓ© somewhere else π
The main, bulkiest things to sell are the deli fridge, the refill dispensers, a barista coffee machine and 2 x fusti drums.
I love you all for the support you've given the shop/me over the past few years. You're genuinely some of the loveliest people I've ever met, and I know you'll continue to support me in the final couple of months as there will no doubt be some bargains on whatever fails to sell quickly enough π
If there are any products you'd like me to order in bulk for you before I go, also let me know!
I'll try and keep you all updated in the next couple of months, but again, THANK YOU. It's been the greatest pleasure of my life, learning how to run a business, and trying to give everybody the best customer service I could, all while doing a lot for the environment, and this planet we all love.
πππ
Joseph Baggaley xx
(Also, if you know of any jobs you think I'd be good at, let me know π I'm very good at writing, and this turn of events means an expedited self publishing of my novel, so keep an eye out for information on that!)
