Reading businesses closing down before we reach 2020

Stores that have lasted for a centuries or more reside here, and many of which have now reached iconic status for those across Berkshire.

Unfortunately, it's a given that this year has been a hard one for independent businesses. The meteoric rise in online shopping, the monopolising number of supermarkets, and the general feeling of times being tough financially have all had their affect on many small-scale stores.

To commemorate those small, home-grown companies that strived, but failed, to survive this year, here's a list of companies we're sorely going to miss as we enter 2020.

1. Frost's Fishmongers, Union Street

Officially titled The Smelly Alley Fish Company, this iconic fishmongers was once based in Reading's historic Union Street.

Notorious for the large contribution it gave to the name 'Smelly Alley', this company had likely to have been running since around the First World War, but finally closed down on July 9.

Speaking at the time of closing, 73-year-old Kevin Little, who owned the store for 46 years, said to the Chronicle: "We tried everything to keep it going but there comes a time when you have to stop,” he said.

“If I were in my 40s I may have tried a few other things, but at my age you look at things differently.

“Pedestrianisation has had a big impact on us because people used to be able to buy as much as they wanted and drive home with it.

“The changes to the street have also had an impact, we have lost a lot of these businesses here."

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2. Carters the Outdoor Specialists, Caversham Road

Carters has been providing Reading customers with ski and outdoor gear for what would have been 200 years by 2020, however the family-run company is going to finally close its doors for the last time on December 29.

On the companies website, it states: "After 199 years of trading, it is with great sadness that we announce the closure of Carter & Son (Thatcham) Ltd.

"We would like to thank all our loyal staff, customers and friends for your support over the years - and invite you to take advantage of the fantastic bargains now in store."

loyal customers were lamenting the news of the companies closure, with one Facebook comment saying: "I started my career working for reading sport and leisure, walking past your shop lead me into the outdoor person I am today.

"Thank you for all your work and being there you truly inspired many again thank you this is so very sad."

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3. Tilehurst Village Butchers, The Triangle

This Butchery was a staple for traditional shopfronts across Reading, having being successfully run for more than 30 years, until its abrupt announcement of liquidation was announced on October 29.

The store was renowned for its friendly, traditional-grocery-store atmosphere as well as the unusual cuts of meat they would have in stock, such as crocodile, camel, bison and even alpaca.

Chris Watts, company owner of seven years, said at the time of the announcement: "It is with great regret I have to inform you that Tilehurst Village Butchers has gone into liquidation.

"We have been struggling for the last couple of years and tried anything and everything to stop this happening.

"I have been there for 30+years and this has been the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make but unfortunately it was the only choice."

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4. Drews Ironmongers, Caversham Road (?)

Okay we know we're technically cheating for this one, as it technically shut down in late December 2018, but it's still certainly a store worthy of mention.

Drews Ironmongers closed after 87 years of trading, blaming their company's problems specifically on competiton from the internet - A final Facebook post states: "Thank you to all our customers for your business and your friendship over the years.

"We've been touched by the many messages of support since we announced our closure and we're proud to have made our mark in the town.

"Thanks too to our excellent staff who have always strived to give the best service and advice.

"You've always been the beating heart of our family business. We wish you good fortune in whatever comes next for you."