Bitter sweets

END OF AN ERA . . . Julie’s Sweet Shop in Greenfield, which closes tomorrow

Julie wraps up her quaint toffee shop

THE end of an era beckons for a quaint sweet shop in Saddleworth as the owner prepares to close the doors after 23 years in business.

Julie’s Sweet Shop, in Chew Valley Road, will close tomorrow in what will be an emotional farewell for owner Julie Rodgers.

The shop was crowned Best Sweet Shop in Greater Manchester by radio station Key 103, but the owner says the arrival of Tesco has had an impact on trade.

She said: “People aren’t coming up the road and not coming in to put the lottery on.

“There are not many people passing, heading to the Co-op like there used to be.

“I’m not going to struggle, it is time to move on.”

Julie says the trend of more sweet shops opening combined with the arrival of the supermarket giant on her doorstep has seen custom dwindle.

Local customer Adam Knight, takes his two young children in the shop regularly.

He said: “It’s a traditional shop, stocked with everything and my children love going in.

“My son said some of the children chant Julie’s name in the playground so they’re without a doubt going to really miss it.

“It’s a loss to the village and unfortunately I think it might be the start of the loss of more of the shops.”

The shop has been an institution in Greenfield for over 50 years, with Julie at the helm for the past 23.

It is a time she will look back on with fondness as she packs away the cola cubes and sherbet lemons on Saturday.

She said: “The loyal customers have continued to support me and I’ve made a lot of friends.”

She now plans to find a job and continue to live in the property.