Bernie’s Grocery Store set to close Heaton Moor store

Confidentials 27 June 2022

Cashflow, rising costs and juggling two sites reasons for closure

Pour one out for Bernie’s Grocery Store in Heaton Moor. The independent grocery store described as its "first love” by the Bernie’s team is set to close its doors on July 16 for the final time. The closure will fall on the day of the site’s second birthday and customers old and new are encouraged to get down between now and then before the final farewell.

There’s many reasons - the stress, the juggling of two sites, the nightmare of cashflow, the increased cost of everything

Bernie’s deals in responsibly-sourced fruit and veg as well as locally produced bread and pastries. The store also stocks a host of responsible and intriguing brands from near and far covering craft beer, pantry goods, sandwiches, cheese, wine, specialist dietary needs, domestic cleaning products and more. The store’s second site in Altrincham will remain open.

Rising costs and cash flow issues hitting businesses hard

The news is a familiar tale at a time of rising costs, household budgets tightening and independent business still reeling from the pandemic. Bernie’s first opened in 2020 following on from the success of online retailer Provisions & Grocery. Bernie’s founders Will France and Bethan Roberts set up a successful crowdfunder and the store was born.

Announcing the news and reasons behind closure today on Instagram, Bernie’s wrote:

“There’s many reasons - the stress, the juggling of two sites, the nightmare of cashflow, the increased cost of everything, the rising energy bills etc but there’s also another reason, it simply isn’t busy enough to cover costs, wages & rent anymore.”

Bernies Grocery Store Is To Close Credit Image Bernies — **Bernie's has championed indie producers since its inception in 2020** Image: Bernie's Grocery Store

Bernie's added:

“Our super loyal customer base is now busier than ever, back at work, navigating through the new normal & juggling the same added costs as we all are & we understand that whilst a lot of people love what we do, they simply can’t spend or visit as much as they used too.”

Bernie’s added that despite its closure, the Heaton Moor site allowed for the additional site in Altrincham which sits in a busy area with further nearby development in the offing. Bernie’s has also thanked everyone for their love and support in recent years.

The Altrincham Branch Of Bernies Grocery Store In Manchester — **Bernie's will continue in its Altrincham form** Image: Confidentials

Since its inception, Bernie’s has been a champion of small independent producers including the likes of Patel’s Pies, Devil Dog Sauces and Batard. As well as the local, the community-minded store regularly stocks responsibly-minded products from across the UK, many of which are difficult to find elsewhere.

As well as groceries, Bernie’s hosts regular workshops with past events ranging from knife sharpening workshops to collaborative kitchen and tap takeovers, most recently with local craft beer shop, Batch. Tickets are still available for Bernie's upcoming fermentation workshop and supper club with Plucky Pickle on July 21.

Bernie's Grocery Store, 30 Central Way, Altrincham WA14 1SB

Cover image: Bernie's Grocery Store