How was Friday's party?

Bakarne Royo (B.R. ): We brought together a hundred people, family members, friends and former clients, and the portico produced a beautiful energy. We don't stop picking up sticks and bombs. People needed to say goodbye. The shutter cannot descend with more affection and tenderness than we were given.

Saioa Royo (S.R. ): We had to close the store. It is a reality that is touching many of us in Donostia. But we didn't want a sad ending. We wanted to make a feast in tribute to the mother, the aunt and the store, and the taste of the mouth that has left us has been sweet, rather than sour. It's a change, and life changes come well.

So, experience it as the end of a closing cycle.

B.R. : In life, hard things are other, we know that well. Of course, you're excited, because the store has been of great importance to our family. But we each have our things and we can move forward.

What did people say to you at the party?

B.R. : It was a farewell and thankful party. The people who were walking around asked occasionally whether we were opening a store and marveling when we told them it was a lockdown.

sports club : When shops are usually opened, it is usual to have a party, but the closure usually goes unnoticed. We wanted to end this cycle with a party, and although greetings are always sad, we are happy about everything we have received.

Your mother was there too.

B.R. : At first I was very angry with us because I thought closing the store was our fault and we couldn't go around. She has Alzheimer's, and since she's not in her best condition, she didn't understand our situation.

sports club : Through the party, however, we seek that it does not remain with a bad feeling, and we get that goal to be met. He was very pleased with the family and with so many people nearby. He is usually forgotten about things, but despite the fact that it has been several days since the closure, the experience at the party is still guarding. All three of us have been strengthened.

On the outside of the store a thank you plate has been placed to the customers.

sports club : Cycles must be closed correctly. It digests what happened and advances without further ado. And it was very important for us to give heartfelt thanks to all those who have accompanied us.

Why did you have to leave the store?

sports club : The owners have sold the building and as we were for rent, we knew that sooner or later we would be thrown, because they wanted to do renovation work of the house. We have agreed to our departure with the new owners and it is now. We were clear that we wanted to sleep, that we would not be about to fight. In addition, we do not serve this purpose.

Next to you, the Marisquería del Boulevard and the Ciprian store, which are a few meters from the city, will also be closed.

B.R. : Small businesses have only a few years left, that is clear. And not just speculation. The Internet and department stores have done a lot of damage to small businesses. They have been harming for years, but this year has been even more obvious.

sports club : Small businesses are in a very delicate situation, and over the past year things have become very difficult. Change seems to come.

People want things right away and at any time. Department stores are open all day long, but paying workers for so many hours is a great effort. Of course, if you don't pay them what's needed, you'll feel good. But if you pay a person for work, the numbers don't give.

The other day, they explained to me what employees pay for businesses like McDonald’s. It's a bypass. So, I can also open a business and 24 hours a day! We would live very well, but those who work for us couldn't live, and we don't want that.

What will be lost with small trade?

sports club : Many customers have told us that they will probably soon find another place to buy products, but they will never have the confidence they have had with us with a trader. We know the stories of customers, as they know ours. Entering and feeling at home is what small commerce has.

B.R. : In addition, older customers have told us that older people are losing their references with the disappearance of small shops. They've lost the references they've had over the years in their day-to-day lives, so they don't know where to go. Out of the trust of a small trade, they feel unprotected, so many stay at home, without going out on the street. That is sad.