IT may be Hallowe’en today, but the only scare for one local businessowner in Llandrindod Wells is whether she’ll have enough room for shoppers – as it celebrates being open for 50 years.

Van's Good Food Shop is celebrating half a century in business today (Thursday, October 31).

Rosie Powell took over the running of the popular Middleton Street shop from her dad, Van, in 2019.

READ MORE | 'That hippy shop' celebrating 50 years in Llandrindod Wells

To celebrate the half century, she has been putting on a different special offer each week throughout October; and today she is hosting a birthday party, with samples, treats, drinks, a raffle, speeches and some special offers too.

The celebrations get under way from 4.30pm, with the shop open until 6.30pm – with 20 per cent of the day’s total takings to be split between Mid Powys Youth Theatre and the Heart of Wales Geopark.

“He (Van) and my mum (Janet) opened the first store in 1974. It was known by locals as 'that hippy shop' in the early days,” said Rosie, 37.

Rosie Powell, with dad Van, who opened the shop in October 1974.Rosie Powell, with dad Van, who opened the shop in October 1974. (Image: Van's Good Food Shop)

“When the current premises came onto the market, dad knew it would be much better to be on the busy main street, so they opened the doors in our current location.”

As the business took off, Van expanded into the wholesale market and ran Good Food Distributors successfully for many years until he sold that around 15 years or so ago – it became Mintons Good Food and is still running today, located on the Heart of Wales Business Park on Llandrindod’s outskirts.

Van returned to the shop, with Rosie joining him in 2013, after finishing her university studies.

She took over five years ago but has worked in the store since she was 13. “I spent much of my childhood in and around the shop playing shopkeeper and 'helping',” said Rosie.

“I loved messing about with the pricing guns, climbing step ladders and hiding under the counter as a kid. 

“In 2019 I took over the reins from dad and have been running the business now for 5 years.”

Opening with an intent on broadening the dietary horizons of Mid Wales, Van’s is still providing a comprehensive range of alternative and ethical products for customers.

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With its ethos rooted in health, wellbeing and good living, Van’s offers a unique and diverse shopping experience, with a great selection of regional, organic, fair-trade, natural, ethical and wholesome products.

These include health foods, wholefoods, organic products including wine, spirits, cider and beer, supplements, remedies, natural hair and skin products, as well as a gluten free and vegan range.

Call in to Van’s, located at Elmswood, Middleton Street, today, to share the milestone with them and grab yourself a prize. Alternatively, call 01597 823074 or visit the Facebook page.