Vicious poison pen letter threatening to 'shutter' shop spectacularly backfires

Trade is booming at a shop that provides crucial opportunities to adults with learning difficulties after a “vile” poison pen letter provoked waves of sympathy from around the globe.

The nasty note penned by an anonymous resident to Kreate, an innovative homeware store in Sheffield, said it was “not welcome” and would likely “fail”.

But when manager Ruth Denton shared the handwritten message on Facebook, hundreds of well-wishers voiced their support for the store.

And she now says it has had people from as far away as America making plans to visit, with the letter having helped put the shop “on the map”.

Ruth, 37, said: “The response we had was unbelievable.

“It was kind of reassuring really, because you know what you are doing is right and people don’t think that about you.

“It’s just helped support the charity no end. It’s really put us on the map, so it’s great … Whether they like us or not, they’ve done us a massive favour."

Ruth said the letter arrived in the morning post last Saturday and she had decided to open it due to the “intriguing” handwriting.

But when she read through the poorly worded note - written in pencil on a single sheet of lined A4 paper - she was stunned by the lines of spiteful comments.

The letter said: “To the owner, just a note from neighbourhood watch not to welcome you.

“The opposite we try not to encourage charity shops round the area or shops selling Blackpool-style trinkets.

“A lot of businesses needed by comunitys [sic] have failed and I hope yours does too. Another grey painted trendy Tak.

“Soon be countdown [sic] for you. Shutters will be permantley [sic] down. Resident Unite (Bocking Lane).”

Ruth was initially saddened by the letter but soon realised that the writer was not aware of the work that Kreate does to help people.

She added: "It was really upsetting. We are here for a purpose.

“The idea of the shop is that the students gain retail experience by working in here, and anything we make in the shop does go back into our charity.

“Obviously the person who wrote it has never been to the shop and has not read up about the charity or knows anything about us, really.”

The manager then decided to post a photo of the nasty letter and share it with others on social media - which led to a flood of supportive comments.

One wrote: “I'm really pleased they did write this letter as I didn't know you were there and now I do I'm looking forward to visiting and supporting your amazing charity."

Another added: “Well, I am only just a couple of mins up the road and I didn't know you were there. I will be coming down next week.”

A third said: “I’ll be round next week to put some money in your till. Really hope this negative does so well for you.”

Ruth said she was overwhelmed by the response and stunned at just how many people had visited the shop in recent days.

She said: “I had somebody just last night comment on one of the posts who was from America.

“Someone actually said they were coming over and they would like to visit. It would be amazing if they did."