I Am Yogi, a popular yoga studio in the Gracechurch Centre in Sutton Coldfield, is set to close after almost two years, with owner Vicky Lawton stating, "It just isn't sustainable at our current numbers." The Birmingham-based firm, which opened in October 2024 in a former Starbucks unit, has built a membership of over 160 active members but cited rising building costs as the primary reason for the closure.
Sudden Announcement and Member Notification
In a heartfelt email to members, Lawton explained the decision was difficult and not taken lightly. The business operated as a pop-up with the understanding that the centre would be redeveloped, but costs escalated, making the space unsustainable. The studio has handed its notice to the shopping centre and will move out imminently, though the exact last day will be communicated to members individually.
Lawton said: "We came in as a pop-up, on the understanding that the centre would eventually be redeveloped. But the building costs have crept up and up, and we can no longer keep the space running without it pulling on everything else we've built over the last eight years."
Search for New Location Unsuccessful
Despite a quiet search for alternative premises in Sutton over the past few months, no suitable location has been found, and a new deal with the Gracechurch owners could not be reached. Lawton expressed hope to return to the town when the right opportunity arises, saying: "We're a small business, still growing, and we really do hope to find our way back to the town when the right opportunity comes along."
The business originated in Moseley and expanded to Sutton as a second site. It has earned five-star reviews on Google, becoming a destination for yoga practitioners and contributing to footfall in the centre.
Impact on Staff and Community
Lawton acknowledged the impact on local freelancers who teach at the studio, asking for kindness and sensitivity when discussing the closure. She plans to hold a small gathering before the final class to celebrate the community. Members will be contacted with details about their memberships and the closure timeline.
In a statement to BirminghamLive, Lawton said: "We have handed our notice in. We won't be closing in the next two or three weeks and we will let members know. We have a local team and they are freelancers. We wanted to give everybody an opportunity to adjust."
Rising Costs and Sustainability Challenges
Lawton emphasized that the membership base of over 160 active members is viable for a yoga studio in a suitable location, but the current space's costs made it unworkable. She noted that the arrangement was always short-term due to the centre's redevelopment plans, and a long-term agreement could not be reached at a sustainable figure.
"We have become this destination here and people will then spend money in other shops. It's always been a short term arrangement because of the initial plans for the shopping centre. We wanted a long term arrangement and we haven't got to a figure that works," she said.
Gracechurch Centre Response
BirminghamLive contacted the Gracechurch Centre's co-owners, BPG in Solihull and SAV Group in London, but had not received a response at the time of publication.
