Pretty medieval market town loses treasured family-run store | UK | News
A beloved independent grocer has closed its doors in the historic Norfolk market town (Image: Getty)
A beloved independent grocer has closed its doors in the historic Norfolk market town after three decades of business.
The Norfolk town is now bidding farewell to Benbows, which has ceased trading at Market Place in Fakenham, leaving residents without the family-run fruit and vegetable shop that served the 800-year-old shopping precinct.
Over the years of operation, the business has built a reputation for providing fresh produce to the local community.
Active Fakenham expressed “genuine sadness and disappointment” following news of the closure.
The voluntary organization works to promote the town and its trading community.
Richard Crook of the group said: “Competition from supermarkets, changing shopping habits and perhaps changing eating habits have all played a part in the closure of Benbows, as well as other smaller independent shops in the town.
“Accepting only cash may not have helped.”
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A long-standing Fakenham store has closed its doors in a crackdown on the town’s high street. (Image:-)
Personal impact on society
Mr Crook reflected on what the shop meant to him personally.
He said: “For me personally this means the loss of familiar, friendly faces that I encounter several times a week, often at least once being gently dragged away by the dog as he tries to get past me.
“This closure has made me think about what Benbows means not only to me, but also to Active Fakenham and Fakenham as a town. Since I can’t pop in to pick up mushrooms or fresh fruit, I will no doubt be walking into town less often.”
The volunteer described the closure as “symbolic” of the changing patterns affecting market towns across the country.
Mr Crook added that the closure of Benbows was “symbolic” of how towns were changing and “there will clearly be a loss to the town center as a whole”.
Residents are now facing calls to get behind the remaining independent traders.
Owner Denise Benbow previously touched on the challenges facing the city center when speaking to the BBC in 2023.
At that point three local banks had closed.
He said: “I think the footfall has changed quite dramatically. It’s pretty quiet inside the shop, especially in the afternoons.”
A grocery store in Market Place has closed after more than 30 years of trading (Image:-)
The store was a family-owned business known for its fresh produce selection. (Image: Getty)
Call for support to local traders
Mr Crook called on the community to support independent businesses before further closures occur.
He said: “Some valuable services are disappearing as new businesses come in. Town centers must adapt if they are to survive and thrive.
“If we value independent shops, friendly faces and a vibrant town centre, now is the time to show it.
“Wherever possible please support local traders, use town center businesses and spread the word about what Fakenham has to offer.”
