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A family-run North East fruit and vegetable shop is set to close its doors for the final time after more than three decades serving the community.
Barlows Fruit and Veg, on Sea Road in Sunderland, has sold fresh fruit and vegetables to customers for more than 30 years, but owners Lesley and Kevin have announced they are retiring after selling the business.
In a Facebook post shared on August 13, the couple said the decision followed “much deliberation”.
They wrote: “After 30 years and much deliberation, we have decided to sell the shop and retire.
“As most of you already know, Lesley retired a couple of years ago, but now it is my turn. My body is not getting any younger.
“We would like to thank our amazing staff, which have been with us all of the time and especially through Covid.
“They have all been an exceptional asset to the business through some cold winters.”
The owners also paid tribute to their loyal customers who have visited the Sea Road shop for years.
They said: “The customers we have had, past and present, have become more like friends to us.
“The loyalty and support for a small business like ours has been amazing.
“Again, thank you to each and every one of you for your friendship, loyalty and support.”
In an update shared today (August 20), Kevin said Barlows Fruit and Veg would close for the final time on August 22.
He said: “We will be closing for the last time on Saturday. We have reduced a lot of produce to hopefully have empty shelves.
“If not, it will go to Salvation Army on Monday.”
Although the shop has been sold, there remains hope it could continue trading as a greengrocer in the future.
Kevin added: “The new owner is looking for somebody to take the shop on for a couple of years as a greengrocer.
“One guy I have spoken to is interested, but nothing is sorted yet. Fingers crossed something will come of this.”
The posts prompted dozens of messages from customers, who shared their sadness at the closure.
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One person wrote: “We will miss you and will never forget how your home delivery supported us in the pandemic, when I had to shield.
“God bless and best wishes for your next chapter.”
Another said: “Gutted to read this, I love getting my veg and eggs from here. Enjoy your retirement.”