09/07/2026
Some posts are harder to write than others, and this is one we never imagined we'd have to make.
After a lot of discussions with the hospital, I've been told that there's a strong possibility I'll need to begin dialysis by the end of this year. While we're still waiting on final dates, I need to make decisions about my treatment in the coming weeks. I'll be choosing hospital dialysis three days a week, and with everything that comes with that, we've had to make the heartbreaking decision to close the doors of Ringo Retro.
As a small independent business run by just me and Steve, it's simply no longer possible to balance the rising costs of running the shop with the time and energy my health is going to need. This wasn't a choice we wanted to make. If there were another way, we'd take it in a heartbeat. But sometimes life makes the decision for you.
What makes this so difficult is knowing how much this little shop has meant to us. From launching a website in June 2024 with a dream, to opening a shop we were proud to call our own, we've achieved more than we ever thought possible. Ringo Retro became so much more than vintage clothing. It became a home for artists, makers, creatives, small businesses, tattoo artists and people who simply wanted somewhere welcoming to visit.
To every single customer who walked through our doors, bought something online, shared a post, recommended us to a friend, came to an event, rented a space, trusted us to stock your creations, or simply stopped by for a chat... thank you. You helped build something really special, and we'll never forget that.
To every creative we've had the privilege of working alongside, thank you for believing in us and letting us be a small part of your journey. Watching this community grow has been one of the greatest privileges of our lives.
This isn't the ending we would have chosen, and honestly, we're devastated. But right now my health has to come first, and all of my energy needs to be focused on what's ahead.
We don't have an official closing date just yet, and we'll keep everyone updated as plans become clearer.
This isn't necessarily goodbye to Ringo Retro either. Our hope is to keep the online side of the business going once we've had time to get everything organised, so while our shop doors may close, we're hoping this won't be the end of the journey altogether.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for every kind word, every purchase, every laugh, every conversation and every memory you've given us over the last two years.
With love,
Ryon & Steve 🩵🧡
