Beloved shop that’s been ‘pillar of the community’ for 110 years to shut just 18 months after being saved from closure
A BELOVED shop that has been a “pillar of the community” for 110 years has shut.
Its end comes just 18 months after it was saved from closure when the store’s manager made a heartfelt plea for help.
Hurst Village Shop closed for good last Saturday after months of difficulties, the Reading Chronicle reports.
The store, found just outside Reading in Hurst, has provided a number of services to the community including being the town’s post office.
Louise Goodwin posted on social media last week confirming the news.
She said: “It’s with a heavy heart that I have to announce that Hurst Stores will now be closing on Saturday (14/12) at 4pm.
“The post office officially closes on Friday at 12pm. We’re so sorry for all the inconvenience this is going to cause and would like to thank you all for your support and kindness throughout our time at the shop.”
Reading locals have shared their sadness over the closure of the store saying they were sorry to hear of its demise.
One said: “My childhood store when growing up. So sad.”
Another posted: “Writings on the wall, support your local pubs or they’ll go.”
While a third wrote: “‘Heartbreaking’ is one word.”
Hurst Village Shop manager Jayne Overington had made a heartfelt plea in July 2023 to save the store after it had run into trouble.
The store had been set to close on April 11 , but the community rallied around and temporarily saved it.
Overington said: “I am pleased to announce that I was informed on Thursday that the village store is staying open.
“Thank you for everyone’s support and those who continue to support us.”
But the store’s luck has now run out with Hurst now left without a post office and store.
In October a report claimed a high street revival could be underway due to independent shops – but Budget tax hikes have led several retailers to close stores, cut jobs, and warn of price rises.
More than 70 businesses, including Tesco, Asda and Sainsbury’s, have told Rachel Reeves in an open letter that the changes announced in the Autumn Budget mean price hikes are a “certainty”.
So far, retailers including Greggs, Toby Carvery owner Mitchells and Butler, and Wetherspoon have all warned of price rises.
Last week, the boss of Currys warned price rises will be “inevitable”, as it prepares to face £32million in extra costs.
And high streets have seen a downturn in footfall from shoppers who have changed their habits to shop online or at retail parks and shopping centres.
Retailers have been struggling with rising inflation pushing up rents, energy, and products.
Plus many others say business rates make it incredibly hard for a small business to survive on the high street.