A POPULAR greengrocers in Builth Wells will shut in the near future, citing the ongoing cost of living crisis and a lack of support for small businesses.

The Root Cellar says it has taken the “difficult” decision to close its High Street shop because running the business has become “too challenging”. 

The Root Cellar has become a popular fixture in Builth’s town centre since Lisa and Joe Wilson opened up two years ago, having moved to Mid Wales in 2020.

The couple said they “instantly fell in love with the Welsh way of life”, but missed having a local greengrocer. The idea for the Root Cellar was born, with the shop supplying the best it could find in fresh fruit, vegetables and pantry goods.

They even introduced its ‘veg box scheme’, where residents could get local fruit and veg delivered to their door, as well as an online shop.

But after what they described as an “adventurous” two years, they announced on their Facebook page on Friday: “We have some bad news. We wish we didn’t.

“After an adventurous two years, we have made the difficult decision to close The Root Cellar.

“Having opened our high street shop and online store with high hopes, the ongoing cost of living crisis and lack of support for small businesses have made it too challenging for us to continue.

“Builth Wells is down on footfall since the increased parking charges and the closure of Barclays bank, and although we have tried our best, the problems keep coming.

“Our main wholefood supplier moving from Llandrindod is another blow, as it goes against our commitment to supporting and stocking Welsh pantry goods.

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“The uncertainty of the shop premises being on the market and the potential rent increase from a new landlord add to the difficulties we face.

“The introduction of a new local farmer’s market each month and the general decline in the retail sector, coupled with the effects of Brexit on small businesses like ours, have made it even harder for us to keep going.

“Importing perishable goods, such as fresh fruits, has become more costly and delayed and is predicted to get worse. Supermarkets have the resources and power to tackle these issues. But like many small businesses, we are struggling.

“We are incredibly proud of what we and The Root Cellar have achieved as well as the community of customers we have built, many of whom have become friends. We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to every one of you for your support and loyalty in choosing to shop with The Root Cellar.”

Lisa and Joe said their last day of trading will be Saturday, July 20, with their final day of deliveries July 19.

Until then, they will stick to their regular opening hours (Thursday and Friday 9am-4pm; Saturday 9am-1pm), delivering their veg boxes every Friday.

The news was greeted with sadness by many locally, with Allyson Williams describing the shop as “a wonderful addition to our high street”.

Gemma Edwards said: “So sorry to hear this. You will always be my favourite fruit and veg shop with an amazing friendly family.”

Emily Thomas added: “So sorry you are finishing. Always have had such lovely produce and lovely chats with you all. You will be greatly missed.”

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