A fruit and veg shop in Westbury celebrated its 10-year anniversary at the beginning of September, despite challenges facing small businesses in the village.
Sarah C Greengrocer’s in Carlton Court enjoys a reputation as a community-focused shop with friendly and welcoming staff. Following the recent closure of Mogford’s and with Carlton Court trade currently affected by developments in the car park behind, this anniversary is something of a milestone for Sarah Conibere and her team.
The shop prides itself on putting sustainability at the heart of the business, promoting paper bags and using produce sourced as locally as possible.
Brought up in Thornbury, Sarah provided fresh produce to Bristol’s restaurant trade for many years, before taking over and freshening up an existing shop in the village. During the Covid pandemic, the team offered a home delivery service to the elderly, isolated and vulnerable in local areas, ensuring that they could still enjoy fresh produce without having to risk going to shops or large supermarkets.
Posting on Facebook, Sarah said: “I just wanted to thank all our lovely customers for the continued support you’ve given us over the past 10 years. Also to all my wonderful staff who have worked here braving the freezing cold winters and melting summers. What a laugh we’ve had! And lastly to my friend of 30 years, Siobhan, who has been by my side the whole time. I couldn’t have done it without you.”
Grateful customers were quick to reply with their congratulations, with one saying: “great shop and lovely staff and absolutely fab during lockdown” and others declaring: “we are so lucky to have you in the village”, “such a success story”.
Hopefully, the laughs and fresh produce will continue for another 10 years, and more. Sarah and her team certainly intend this to be the case.