In Pootsi village, Pärnu County, store owner Ülle Palits is closing the store. Running the store is no longer profitable because there are few people in the village. However, the store is very important for the residents of Manija Island, and the city of Pärnu also wants the store to continue operating.
Ülle Palits says that there are fewer elderly people, and the young work in the city. Selver's delivery truck brings goods to the store. Ülle keeps the store open for the residents of Manija Island, but their numbers have also declined. The company's financial situation is poor, and there is not enough money.
Manija Island residents Einar and Olev say they visit the Pootsi store every Friday. The store is mainly frequented by Manija Island residents.
Manija resident Mark Soosaar believes that the state and local government should support small stores. The city of Pärnu has supported the store with 1,500 euros per year, but this is not enough. Soosaar thinks the state should allocate more funds to help small stores and schools continue operating.
The city of Pärnu is interested in keeping the store open and does not rule out greater financial support. Sander Kilk, the head of Tõstamaa Parish, says the Pootsi store is important for the entire community. The city will not run the store itself but is looking for solutions to keep it open.
Ülle Palits will close the store in mid-February but is willing to sell the building. She would like the store to continue operating. The Pootsi store has been in business for 100 years, and Ülle Palits has run it for over 40 years. The store mostly sells pies and pastries.