Fears for Oxfordshire independents after businesses shut

Two independents in west Oxfordshire have announced they are closing permanently in recent weeks including Cotswold Woollen Weavers in Filkins (operating for 44 years) and Junction Hair & Beauty, the salon in Corn Street, Witney (operating for 46 years).

These latest closures follow a number of other businesses shutting in the area across 2026 such as Pretend Supply Co, a clothes shop based at Witney market square, and Homely Furniture 2 Go, a family-run enterprise in Minster Lovell.

READ MORE: Council criticised over £600,000 safety improvements on Oxfordshire road

In separate statements both the Cotswolds Woollen Weavers and Junction Hair & Beauty cited increased costs.

Richard Martin outside the Blanket Hall in Witney (Image: NQ)

Richard Martin, who runs the Cotswolds shop, which will continue to operate from Huddersfield, said they stopped weaving there five years ago, in part because of an absence of skills.

“Any of the weavers,” the 73-year-old said, “you bring down from West Yorkshire or Wales just can’t afford the house prices here in the Cotswolds – they’re two or three times the price as over there”.

The family behind Homely Furniture 2 Go in Minster Lovell (Image: Contributed)

Meanwhile Samantha Smith, the co-owner of Junction Hair & Beauty, said that the cost of opening a new salon is “not viable” considering electrics, plumbing and other work.

The hairdresser will close in August after the family that owns the building decided to sell the property.

The team at Junction Hair & Beauty in Witney (Image: Samantha Smith)

West Oxfordshire District Council said it is committed to supporting local businesses, offering advice and support, and signposting funding and grant opportunities.

A spokesperson said: “We recognise that many businesses are facing significant pressures from rising costs and wider economic challenges, and understand the concern when long-established local businesses close.”

Witney and District Chamber of Commerce chair Adrian Bullock (Image: Witney and District Chamber of Commerce)

Meanwhile, The Witney Chamber of Commerce said retail occupation levels in the town were holding up well. However, Adrian Bullock, chair of the group, acknowledged there are challenges.

“The bigger picture does see far more pressure on business,” he said, citing rising utility costs and insurance prices, and changing National Insurance and minimum wage rates.

He added: “The cost increases and squeeze on profit margins is obviously easier for larger brands to manage than it is for independents, so it is quite possible there is a small change in emphasis between independents and brands.”

Councillor Ted Fenton (Image: Bampton Parish Council)

As such, he called for more small business grants to help independents and said that the chamber would continue to push its marketing of the town, a project for which it is looking for partners.

READ MORE: Unique Cotswolds shop announces ‘heavy discounts’ amid imminent closure

Councillor Ted Fenton, whose ward includes the Cotswolds Woollen Weavers, was “very sad” to hear the store is closing and said that if we want to retain these independents we have to visit them.

The Conservative said: “Take time to visit places, handle or try on the goods before we buy rather than rely on the ever-increasing fleet of vans both delivering goods and returning the unwanted items.

“Life is fast and furious at times but if we want to maintain a certain quality, we must force ourselves to slow down more often.”