Natural health shop lives on after sale

LISMORE'S iconic natural health shop, Traditional Medicinals, has received a last-minute reprieve with a prospective buyer making an offer to buy the business.

"This is the most exciting news," said owner and herbalist Trish Clough.

"We were within weeks of closing the doors when a local naturopath negotiated to buy the business.

"I had made the difficult decision to close after 20 years, despite the business remaining successful, because I felt the need to downscale and work simply as a herbalist instead of a retail manager."

Ms Clough said that the overwhelming response of sadness expressed by customers at the prospect of the shop closing was causing her a lot of regret, as well as being very validating about the important role of the shop in Lismore. She said she is now delighted that Traditional Medicinals can continue to hold its unique position.

The identity of the new owner remains a mystery, as they have asked for anonymity until the contractual arrangements are done. The shop is currently open and trading as normal.