A small town’s butcher has closed in a huge blow to the high street , with messages of support flooding in from customers. M Harrison Butcher in Rawtenstall, Lancashire, closed this week due to the owners, Mark and Caron Harrison, retiring.
The couple said the decision to leave was “not an easy one” but that they have been “blown away” by the support of their community following the announcement.
They said: “Some may already be aware of our decision to retire from our formal working life at the shop. The decision has not been an easy one to make, but it is a decision that has the full support of our family.”
Mark and Caron went on to say they have “always been truly grateful” for the support and loyalty from their customers, and they hope that locals “understand our need to now slow down” and enjoy a relaxed retirementwith their family.
They added: “We have been blown away by the positive kind words, cards, and gifts received following our announcement to retire and shop closure. We are genuinely overwhelmed by your response.”
The couple ended by saying they will be “forever grateful” to locals for their support throughout the years, and will miss “the chats and the banter”.
They said: “We are so grateful for your understanding now as we embrace much-needed quality time with our family and grandchildren.”
But the decision has left locals devastated. One person said: “Wishing you well for your retirement – you really will be missed. I’ll miss the laughs we had as well as all that amazing food.”
Another said: “We will very much miss Harrison’s and all of your great produce served by a lovely team – I wish you both a very happy retirement (any chance of the meatball sauce recipe?)”
Others said that, though they were sad about the closure, the couple had “put (their) heart and soul into it over the years” and deserved to “make the most” of the coming years.
Data from the Centre of Retail Research suggests that about 37 shops closed every day in 2024, for a total of 13,500 for the year. This was a 28% increase from 2023.
The group expected this to grow again this year to about 17,350, with 14,660 coming from independent retailers. These closures are mainly caused by increasing costs and reduced footfall.