The lights have been switched off at a much-loved charity store that supports Tauranga Women's Refuge, for the last time.
Everything had been removed, and a green closed sign was painted on the window of Upcycle in Greerton on Saturday which was "sad but a reality" for Tauranga Women's Refuge acting manager Hazel Hape.
She said the combination of not being able to afford rent and the additional cost of having to clean up and dispose of dumped goods meant the store had to shut.
"We've all loved it and adored the store and the experience. We wanted to provide a sustainable service but we no longer can because of the unaffordable premises," Hape said.
The local community had come together to help clean up the store and sell remaining goods over the last few days, Hape said.