Supermarket will abruptly close its doors next week after 50 ‘great’ years
Shoppers are saddened after a supermarket will abruptly close its doors next week after 50 “great” years.
The small business has announced it is closing its doors after years of supplying fresh produce in Nottinghamshire.
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The curtain will fall on the much-loved Bramcote Farm Shop, which has been an important part of the community for almost five decades.
Of the family business, bosses said: “We have a good range of good fresh produce at affordable prices.”
Shoppers flocked to Bembridge Court close to the A52 to buy their fresh produce and local goods.
But they will now have to take their basket elsewhere as the store closes for the final time next one week.
READ MORE ABOUT STORE CLOSURES
Devoted owners Anne and Andrew Woodward announced the decision in a heartbreaking post.
Anne said the move followed Andrew’s health problems.
On Facebook they said: “As many of you know, Andrew has not been in the best of health for some time.
“We have therefore decided to close Bramcote Farmshop on March 30.
“We would like to say a huge thank you to all our customers for their support over the past 46 years, especially during the pandemic.”
‘BIG LOSS’
Saddened locals mourning the loss flooded social media with tributes.
One user complained: “I’m sorry to hear this. But enjoy your retirement. May it be happily ever after.”
One saddened customer wrote: “We’re sorry to hear you’re closing the farm shop,” and another added: “Really sad to see you go.”
Many called the local store a “fantastic little shop” and praised the “helpful” and “friendly” staff.
Former shop assistant Hayley Curwood said: “Sorry to hear this, thanks for the opportunity to work for you throughout my teenage years.”
Local customers praised the staff and said it was an asset to the area.
One said: “You have done a great service to the community and we have worked so hard for years to produce fantastic quality fruit, vegetables and meat. I hope you know how much you are appreciated.”
Another added: “Sending so much love. You will be missed but I’m sure I can speak for everyone when I say it was an absolute pleasure shopping with you.”
But this is not the only store to close its doors.
Other retailers have also reduced the number of high street shops, such as Iceland, Boots and Matalan.
Argos also closed 42 UK stores last June, including all 34 branches in the Republic of Ireland.
Meanwhile, Ted Baker recently announced hundreds jobs and stores are at risk after plans to call in administrators were confirmed.
Marks and Spencer is another retailer that has made changes to its store portfolio.
Why are retailers closing their stores?
RETAILERS have been feeling the pressure since the pandemic, as shoppers cut back on spending due to the rising cost of living.
High energy costs and the move to online shopping after the pandemic are also taking their toll, with many high street stores struggling to continue.
The high street has seen a slew of closures in the past year, with more to come.
The number of jobs lost in UK retail fell last year, but 120,000 people still lost their jobs, figures show.
Figures from the Center for Retail Research show that 10,494 stores will have closed for the last time in 2023 and 119,405 jobs will have been lost in the sector.
It was fewer stores than had been lost in recent years, and a decrease from the 151,641 jobs lost in 2022.
The centre’s director, Professor Joshua Bamfield, said the improvement is “less bad” than good.
While some big names on the high street were lost, including Wilko, many major companies had already gone bankrupt before 2022, the center said, such as Topshop owner Arcadia, Jessops and Debenhams.
“The cost of living crisis, inflation and rise in interest rates have prompted many consumers to tighten their belts, causing retail spending to fall,” said Prof Bamfield.
“Retailers themselves have faced rising energy and occupancy costs, staff shortages and declining demand, making rebuilding profits after extensive store closures during the pandemic exceptionally difficult.”
Besides Wilko, which employed around 12,000 people when it went bust, the biggest failures of 2023 include UK Flooring Direct, Planet Organic and Tile Giant.
The Center for Retail Research said most stores were closed as companies tried to reorganize and cut costs rather than face bankruptcy.
However, experts have warned that more bankruptcies are likely this year as consumers tighten their belts and borrowing costs for businesses soar.
According to official figures, about 14% of bankruptcies last year occurred in retail businesses.