15/03/2025
It is with heavy hearts that we have to announce the permanent closure of Swynford Stores.
It has been an incredible experience but due to crippling financial pressures we have no choice but to close on 28th March 2025
We would like to start by thanking all of our incredible Customers that have supported us for the last 8 years. It has been a joy to serve you. We can only hope that you loved it as much as we did. Without your support we would not have made it this far.
We would also like to take this opportunity to thank Sarah for her support and hard work throughout the years and whilst we made this difficult decision. She has been a credit to our business and has been a joy to work with. And we wish her well for the future and offer our support in any way we can.
Having opened in July of 2017 when a mere 47 houses were occupied. The earliest a new Store has opened on a New Development anywhere in the UK. Supporting the local communities, not just Alconbury Weald through the Covid Pandemic. Having Customers that have been loyal and become friends over the years, seeing couples moving in, having babies and children then starting school has been very special.
The opening of the Co-Op, prices of stock skyrocketing, margins being squeezed by Wholesalers (owned by Tesco). All with less money coming in. It has been something of a perfect storm.
We have done everything we can to try & renegotiate & fight our corner. We have worked tirelessly for the last year to make it work. But with future increases in all areas on the horizon unfortunately there is just no way of covering the costs.
Independents are struggling all over so whenever you have the choice between a massive corp or an independent business then please do shop small, they need you so much more.
We will continue to operate Abbots Ripton Post Office & Stores, with free parking right outside the shop. We hope to see some of you in the future.
Thank you to those of you that have used the Store.
Adrian & Samantha
