Use us or lose us: That’s the message to people in a village near Farnham as their only shop struggles for survival.

Like many independent businesses, Crondall Stores is struggling to cope with multiple pressures, from rising wholesale prices to competition from supermarkets and online delivery.

Manager Akish Patel said: “We have only 100 to 150 regular customers daily out of 1,800 people in the village but we need at least 300 a day to survive and pay the bills.”

Crondall Stores is more than a shop. It also houses the village post office, a lifeline for many, particularly elderly residents.

Mr Patel added: “Most of the older people use the post office, and they can’t park their cars elsewhere, so it’s very easy for them here.

“It’s the only shop in the village, so most people need it. Otherwise, they’d have to go into town.

“Prices are going up all across the country and it’s very difficult to handle everything together.

“Even the customer is losing. Big supermarkets and online delivery are affecting us more than ever.”

Despite the challenges, there are plans to expand services, providing it survives.

Mr Patel said: “In the future, we are trying to start delivery, newspaper delivery, and dry cleaning in just two weeks. That will encourage more people to come here.”

He also stressed the importance of local support: “Whoever comes here, we have plenty of loyal and regular customers—they like to visit every day. Just support local, stay local.”

An additional 60–80 daily customers would make a significant difference and help keep the shop viable.

Mr Patel concluded: “Village shops will never compete with supermarkets on range or price, but if we want the convenience, service and community spirit of a local store, it needs the support of the whole village.”