Sheffield grocer calls time on Moor trader after 36 years

Sharps fruit and veg shop, South Kane, Sheffield. Pictured is Spencer Sharp who has run the shop for 36 years. Photo: Chris Etchells

The 51-year-old dad is the third generation to run the store on South Lane, following in the footsteps of grandfather Walter Sharp, and father Tony.

“It opened just after the war”, said Spencer.

“I came to the business because of my father’s ill health, I wanted to do mechanical engineering but I came and have been here since.

“All our customers have been very loyal - they haven’t been customers really, they have been friends.

“We’ve got customers whose families have also been trading with us for three generations.”

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While The Moor is poised for regeneration, with a flagship Primark store due to open this year and a cinema in 2017, it has come too late for Sharp’s of Sheffield.

Spencer said: “Yorkshire Bank closed around the corner which stopped all the foot trade passing the shop, they aren’t getting off at the bus stop.

“We always have a good hour in the morning with the office workers - they are going to miss us like mad.”

While the shop on South Lane has emptied, Spencer and family will carry on their business by the same name on Abbeydale Road.

Spencer added: “That’s been going even longer - they used to queue there for bananas when there weren’t any to be had.

“There’s a good customer base there and it is an up and coming road with all the shops and cafes.”

And the changing tastes of customers have also been noted.

“People aren’t cooking any more, not like they used to”, said Spencer.

“They don’t want the traditional round lettuces, it’s all about the up and coming rocket.”

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