Ian Forber retires after 44 years at New Brighton greengrocers

Ian Forber, from Liscard, took over the greengrocer shop in October 1980, with his wife Karen, from Moreton.

Speaking to the Globe about opening in the 80s, Ian said: "I was at Vauxhall's at the time and I thought it was closing.

"My mum bought the two shops next to each other, the greengrocer and the grocery so I took over the greengrocery."

Ian and Karen (Image: Ian Forber)

Community of New Brighton

Spending over 40 years in the business, Ian focused on the "lovely people" he got to meet.

"You get to know the people, and there are some lovely people, who are very generous", he said.

"The community of New Brighton is lovely and so is the seafront.

"There are lots of independent shops trying to make a living so I try and ask the people of New Brighton to support them if you can because they're all independents and all families that need support from the local public.

"I knew everyone who came into the shop by their first name because I'd worked there for so long. People would come in for a chat, and I'll miss that." 

End of an era. Tomorrow Ian Forber closes his doors on the greengrocer store he & his family have run for over 44 years in Victoria Road New Brighton. The shop has been a greengrocers since 1890. Ian & Karen have been fabulous neighbours, friends & have provided a vital service❤️ pic.twitter.com/LW3f8GGdTg

— Daniel Davies (@danieldaviesRPL) July 28, 2023

On Saturday, July 29, Ian and Karen closed the shop doors for the final time, due to Ian's health and the pair retiring.

Ian said: "I had to close pretty quickly as the new buyers wanted to be in on August 1.

"So I must apologise to all of the regulars, I didn't have the chance to tell everybody what the plan was. Everybody had an idea that I was going to retire soon but we only had three or four days to clear the shop out and retire.

"Over the years, lifting spuds and things has really taken a toll on my body. Things were happening in trade and with my health that I needed to retire, and I didn't have a proper chance to say goodbye.

"I want to say a big thank you to Karen as well for staying with me through all of the tiredness and the stress and the long days in the shop."

Inside the shop (Image: Ian Forber)

The couple has now been retired for almost a month, and Ian said it's been "crazy".

"It's been crazy to suddenly stop working", he explained.

"We're trying to sort out what we need and what we don't need, and it's such a different way of life now not having not to get up every morning.

"I worked six or seven days a week for 44 years, in the shop from 8am to around 5pm and in the early days, it would be 4.30am."