A greengrocers, which has been in Nailsea for more than 30 years, plans to relocate to Bristol. S&R Burchills has announced it is to shut up its shop at Colliers Walk on July 23 and move operations to its warehouse base at Bristol Fruit Market.
Bosses of the greengrocer say the change in peoples’ shopping habits - exacerbated by the pandemic - has made it no longer financially viable to operate a business premises in the town. The store will continue to serve the Nailsea area through an online shop and via telephone orders, reports Somerset Live.
A spokesman for S&R Burchills said: “After 30 plus years of being part of Nailsea town centre, we have made the very hard decision to relocate our business outside of the town. This has been an emotional decision based on many factors, the biggest of which has been the change in shopping trends over the past few years.
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“We had already started to notice a decline in customer numbers prior to the pandemic as peoples’ shopping habits changed and moved towards online shopping for ease and convenience. The past couple of years have only increased the demise of the High Street in general and with this we have made the decision to end our lease and tenancy with the shopping centre in Nailsea as it is no longer a viable side of our business.”
As well as a large range of fruit and vegetables, Burchills also stocks a range of locally produced items such as chocolate, sweets and eggs. It is also a favourite with many gardeners selling a good range of plants.
The spokesman added: “We will be relocating and working from our existing warehouse within the Bristol Fruit Market so will still be providing people with the same quality products and service which everyone has received for years. Our online shop has all the fabulous, high-quality produce people have come to expect from us plus a huge range of other items people may not know we sell.”
The wholesale arm of the business, which delivers to schools, local businesses, care homes and offices will be unaffected by the store closure. Some of the staff employed at the Nailsea store will relocate to the fruit market.
The spokesman added: “We want to take a moment to send huge thanks and love to all our customers past, present and future. You are what has made us the business we are today and we wouldn’t have made it this far without your continued support.”
The news has been greeted with sadness by customers. Lisa Brakspear posted on the Burchill’s Facebook page: “Such bad news for Nailsea. The end of an era. Your staff have always been so cheerful and friendly.”
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Beth Connock added: "This is a very sad day for Nailsea when yet another local shop closes . It provides good quality fruit and veg and I shall be sad to see it go.”
Cheryl Difford said: "Going to be a huge loss to a lot of Nailsea people...and people from surrounding areas. It's the shop that most people come to Nailsea for.
"It's always been a shop of fun and laughter. I understand their dilemma, and wish them the very best of luck with their new venture. I'm sure they will do well.”
Nailsea will now be left with one dedicated greengrocer, Ashley Olsen at Silver Street. Nailsea also has an Iceland, Tesco, Waitrose, Co-op and Budgens selling fresh fruit and veg.
