"It's been an honour": Family run greengrocer announces "very difficult decision" to close after 40 years
After 40 years of serving the community, an independent family-run greengrocer has announced it will be closing down next month following a hike in rent prices.
The owners of Juicyfruits, in Stein Road, Southbourne, have said it is “with a very heavy heart” that they announce the closure of their store, with the last day of trading being Saturday, February 28.
The shop took to social media on Tuesday, January 6, saying: “After 40 years of our family greengrocers, more than 30 of which serving the Southbourne and Emsworth communities, it is with a very heavy heart that we are announcing the closure of our shop in February 2026.
“This decision has been very difficult to make, and we know that it impacts a number of people across our local community. Unfortunately, our lease comes to an end in March 2026 and the landlords are asking for a big increase in rent and a very long-term lease, and this is not something that Tracey, Tony, nor Marie are able to commit to.”
The post also explained that the the shop has recently seen a “big fall in customers”and, although the family has “tried as much” as possible “to try and encourage people to shop local” “ regrettably these measures haven’t worked.”
The decision to close was made “tougher” because of the anticipated “knock-on effect to local farming” as the shop has sourced all of its produce locally for the past four decades.
It added: “To those who regularly use Juicyfruits, thank you. It has been an honour and a pleasure to serve so many of you. We are priviledged to have watched families grow, people who we first saw when they were born now having families of their own.
“We are proud to have played just a little role in your lives and livelihoods, and we are honoured that you have continued to support our local, family business throughout.”