A grocer at the centre of a community said he was "privileged to have touched the hearts of so many people" as he closes his doors after 44 years.
Ian Forber, 64, has run the greengrocer's shop on New Brighton's Victoria Road for over four decades with his wife Karen, 62. But the pair have decided it is the right time to pack up their boxes of fresh fruit and vegetables and enjoy retirement with their family.
Victoria Road has changed significantly in recent years with Dan Davies' Rockpoint Leisure a key driving force for bringing regeneration to the area. Ian and Karen's shop has stood at the heart of the community throughout the redevelopments, helping pave the way for a new generation of fiercely independent businesses.
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Dan described the husband and wife as "fabulous neighbours and friends" who have provided a vital service to the town. In a tweet on Friday, July 28 he called their retirement the "end of an era" and invited everyone to say goodbye to the pair.
Shortly before 5pm on Saturday, July 29, dozens of local business owners, residents, friends and family gathered at the store to watch Ian and Karen pull down the shutters one last time.
Speaking to the ECHO at the shop, Ian said: "It's been very emotional today. So many people have come in bringing us presents and cards, giving us hugs and wishing us well for the future.
"We've spent so many wonderful years around so many great people in the town. Sadly we've lost some great people as well which has made me think more about my life. I want to retire and spend some more time with the family."
When asked what his favourite part of the job was, Ian immediately told the ECHO it was "meeting the people". He added: "Families would tell me about their lives, both good and bad, and I would get to know them.
"They would then get to know me and my family. I've met thousands of people. They are only coming in to buy a bit of food but I got to share a five minute conversation with them and hopefully that would improve their day."
When asked if he remembered his first day in the shop, he recalled he spent the day peeling drumhead cabbages. He said he would be up to go to the market at 4.30am and would then work in the shop until 5pm.
Ian said customers' shopping habits have changed significantly since he started. He said people don't tend to daytime shop as much, with more of a focus on nighttime entertainment. He pointed to a change in society since covid with people not wanting to work as much, instead choosing to spend more time with family socialising.
He said this put additional pressures on grocery shops, but added: "There is a niche out there for an independent to do well by growing their own network of customers".
As the shutters were readied to be lowered for the final time, Dan led a toast to Ian and Karen, who were supported by their children and grandchildren. Glasses of champagne were raised by dozens of well-wishers before Ian emotionally thanked everyone for coming.
The celebrations were set to continue in the pub shortly after, but Ian joked "I can't drink too much because I have to come back and clear out the shop tomorrow". He added: "It's fantastic to have all the family here as we closes the curtains on this part of our lives.
"It's a good time to retire – I want to see a bit of the country. We wanted to slip away quietly but Dan organised all this for us. We can't believe the response – we feel privileged to have touched the hearts of so many people."
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