The owners of Sale Foodhall have shared a heartbreaking post confirming its closure.
Sharing the news on social media this morning, owners said they faced "unprecedented" cost increases over the last 12 months and were unable to keep the business "moving forward sustainably". The business will trade up to and including Sunday, April 2.
The venue, part corner shop, part canteen, opened on Stanley Square in November 2021 and featured a host of independent vendors and businesses. Launched by Store Group - now known as CG Group - it is part of the same group who owns and runs the General Store brand, which has several general stores and food halls across Greater Manchester including another site in Stretford.
Read more: Council orders new restaurant to remove 'modest' sign following neighbour complaint
The first General Store opened in Ancoats in 2017, tapping into a growing number of residents moving into the old mills and warehouses in the district. As well as groceries, it also featured a bar, a post office and revolving food operators.
It quickly expanded its business to encompass food halls too, opening its first food hall in Stretford Mall and then its Sale branch on Stanley Square development. Both featured a General Store inside, as well as a range of food retailers.
In a post to its Foodhalls Instagram page this morning, owners wrote: "Dear all - An update to share regarding our wonderful Sale Foodhall.
"After facing unprecedented cost increases over the last 12 months, we are unable to keep the business moving forward sustainably. Sadly, we have made the decision that Sale Foodhall will close. We will be trading up to and including the 2nd April 2023.
"We share this news with a heavy heart. It is really tough at the moment for hospitality businesses, independent businesses, retailers, makers - everyone really! We know that you, our guests and followers, are feeling it too and we’re sorry that we couldn’t keep serving you in Sale.
"As one of the first independent businesses to arrive in Stanley Square, it’s been wonderful to be a part of the journey of the town so far. We have become so invested - it’s tough to let it go but we have not been able to find a way forward. Rising costs, especially in terms of power, have proved insurmountable for us here in Sale. We take with us warm memories of Groceries & Beer and witnessing the transformation of the mall!
"Our priority is to keep our colleagues in jobs and so we’re focussed on that right now. Our Stretford Foodhall remains open.
"We’d like to thank all the talented traders, makers, creators and everyone else who has been part of our story in Sale. And especially our customers who have welcomed us into the community from day one.
"Warm thanks to all the team at Stanley Square who have supported our journey since we met in 2019. Wishing all our neighbours and fellow businesses the best - Onwards and upwards - to everyone."
In the comments, a number of people expressed their sadness and disappointment at the news, with many saying they would be sad to see it go. One person wrote: "This is heartbreaking! You guys are such a big part of sale! How can we stop losing all these amazing places?"
Another added: "Back in the good ‘ol Groceries and Beer days, this little haunt was honestly such a godsend all throughout lockdown! Made so many memories here as it soon became our regular - you’ll be so missed but thank you for such good times!"
A third wrote: "Absolutely gutted to read this guys. From lunchtimes with the kids to some boozy date nights with the wife, the food hall has been our go to for a while now. Great staff, great atmosphere and what has felt like the heartbeat of our town since you moved to the square. You will be missed."
In September it was also confirmed that its Salford General Store, on New Bailey Street would shutter. Commenting at the time, owner Mital Morar said: "After exceptionally difficult trading conditions throughout the past two years, the addition of the latest economic pressures in 2022, including the energy crisis, have led us to implement a major restructure of the business in order to protect jobs and to continue to trade."
Towards the end of last year, Stretford FoodHall was also unable to sell alcohol on its premises for six weeks as bosses missed a deadline to renew the licence. Signs apologising for the inconvenience were first noticed in early November, however Trafford council confirmed that the business missed an October deadline to renew its alcohol licence after the Stretford Foodhall went into liquidation on September 28.
Read next:
