25/09/2026
Why are we seeing queues in the big chains while our little independent shop is seeing just 2 or 3 customers through the door some days?
These photos were taken in Card Factory today. We went in because we wanted to understand what we’re doing wrong — and what surprised us was the pricing.
Their giant honeycomb spider is £3.99. Ours is £1.99 — literally half the price. We have cobwebs and fright tape for £1, there’s is £1.99
Their large plushies pictured are around £7.99–£14.99, outs are £7.99-£12.99, We have a huge range of gifts, plushies and seasonal products at really competitive prices, alongside our own candles that we hand-make right here in Coulsdon.
Yet for the last few weeks, our shop has been almost completely empty.
We completely understand that money is tight for everyone. That’s actually why this is so frustrating — there’s sometimes an assumption that shopping independently means paying more, when that simply isn’t always the case.
We’re not posting this to criticise Card Factory. They’re a successful national business and people are completely entitled to shop wherever they choose.
We’re posting it because we’re genuinely worried about the future of our little shop.
Cozy Glow has been part of Coulsdon for 10 years. We’ve survived some incredibly difficult times, organised community events, supported our High Street and tried to give as much back to Coulsdon as we possibly can.
But 2 or 3 customers a day isn’t sustainable.
So we’re asking one small favour: before going straight to a big chain, please give the independent shops in Coulsdon a look too.
You don’t have to spend a fortune. A £2 decoration, a small gift or a candle genuinely makes a difference when enough people choose local.
And sometimes, as these photos show, shopping local might actually save you money.
We desperately want Cozy Glow to still be here serving Coulsdon for another 10 years. But we need your help to make that possible.
