Popular Christchurch green grocer M Dewey has cleared its shelves for the last time.

Owner Mick Dewey and colleague Pip Cooke have provided fresh fruit and vegetables from the Barrack Road shop for over 40 years.

The pair are known for their friendly and personal service, always offering a smile and conversation for customers.

The store is closing as Mick sets about enjoying a well-earned retirement. Reflecting on shutting the shop, he told the Times:

“It’s a bit sad because it is the end of an era, but it’s good at the same time as to we have had so many people coming in to wish us well for the future.

“I’ve loved every bit of it otherwise I wouldn’t have stayed for 40 years.”

The warm and traditional approach taken by Mick and Pip saw both regular customers and some from further afield visit before the shop closed. Pip said:

”We’ve had a couple of busy days. We’ve had lots of people coming in, some who haven’t been in for a while have popped back in to say cheerio, and we’ve had lots of presents and cards.

“Today we had someone that hadn’t been in for a couple of years cause they moved away. They’ve come in and said it’s sad to see that you’re closing and she bought something.”

Over their time running the shop, the duo has witnessed a lot with the rise of supermarkets and changing eating habits, but Pip reflects on it positively:

“All the time it has been great, even now. It’s not so busy as it used to but it’s still been fine.”

“The people make it. As a little shop you get to know people and they want to come in and see a smiling face.”

Mick is still looking for a buyer of the building, which he originally bought for the accommodation above the shop and decided to try his hand as a green grocer.

As the welcoming pair set about life away from the shop, they both wanted to give a message to all the people who have visited the green grocers. “We’ve enjoyed every minute with them and thank you for all the support over the 40 years.”