WE are writing in response to your article about independent retailers (Oxford Mail, February 15).

Independent retailers in Witney also need support as much as those in Oxford.

We have been trading as a florist in Witney for more than 12 years as Rosa Flowers in Wesley Walk.

We have just had our 13th Valentine’s trading.

Buying from Holland with a weak pound and ever-increasing overheads such as rates and rent makes running an independent business more difficult.

We don’t think the public appreciates the knowledge and experience of a specialist independent business, which is not provided by the large multiples.

With an independent shop, you get specialist knowledge, bespoke products and personal service rather than (as a customer once said to us) “a take it or leave bunch” which can be purchased in a supermarket.

We do have loyal customers who want quality and realise buying in a supermarket is not really ‘cheaper’ because quality flowers last longer.

People say how sad a particular independent shop has closed, but do not realise that they are the cause of it closing by not supporting it.

Rosa and Jim Ashby, Rosa Flowers, Wesley Walk, Witney