A POPULAR fruit store has closed down after 64 years, as the owners head into retirement.
Family owned and run AE Hartley & Sons in Sheffield shut its doors one last time on October 25, after owner Alan decided to retire at the age of 83.
After 64 years, A.E Hartley and Sons has closed its doors for good[/caption]
The loss of the iconic grocery institution which had been a mainstay at the Gaunt Shopping Centre in Gleadless Valley has left the community “gutted”.
Locals flocked to the AE Hartley & Sons Facebook page to wish Alan and his family well.
One person said: “Gutted best sweet shop around.”
Another person said: “Thank you for everything, you are part of my childhood.
“The Valley was a better place in the 60s and 70s when I grew up there and you are part of what made it a better place.
“Whatever you do I hope you have a wonderful time, after your decades of hard work you deserve it. Sending you my love and thanks.”
A third person said: “Congratulations on an amazing 64 years of service to the local community all of you.
“Wishing you all some nice lie-ins!”
Speaking to the BBC, Alan said “I’ve mixed feelings.
“I’m ready for a rest but I’ll miss the customers so much.
“They’re more like friends.”
Destined for a career in engineering, a 19-year-old Alan Hartley turned towards the fruit and veg scene, purchasing an empty unit in November 1960.
The family owned and run business included Alan’s sister Janet, as well as his son Lee and his grandchildren.
Son, Lee, ended up taking over the day-to-day running in the 1990s, while Alan still remained involed.
Ahead of the store’s closing, Alan’s sister Janet, 89, said she was saving her tears.
“We’ve had tears from several customers,” she told the BBC.
She added: “We’re a big family. That’s our strength.
“When it’s backs to the wall. We present a united front.”
Over the years the shop’s nostalgic vibe has also caught the attention of TV producers.
The exterior was used for the 1980s-set ITV underwear drama Brief Encounter, while in 2022 the Disney TV series of Sheffield-based The Full Monty used the store as a newsagents.
