End of an Era Barbara’s Store Empingham Rutland to Close After 58 Years
For nearly six decades, it has been the heartbeat of the village, a place for a morning paper, a quick pint of milk, and a friendly chat. But this week, the community of Empingham received the bittersweet news that Barbara’s Store will officially close its doors in June 2026.
The announcement marks the end of a remarkable 58-year legacy of service by Barbara and her family. In a heartfelt message to friends and customers, the family explained that the decision comes after a challenging period of lease negotiations and redevelopment plans for the site.
According to the family, the closure was triggered by a proposed lease renewal that would have seen the rent more than double. Additionally, the new terms offered by the landlord would have required the business to operate outside the protections of the Landlord and Tenant Act, creating significant uncertainty for the future.
While there were initial hopes that the shop could be sold as a "going concern" to a new owner, the family noted that the landlord and their agent opted to market the property themselves.
"We wanted to keep the shop open until a new owner was found and gave the agent many options for this to happen, but we had no response," said Barbara, Wendy, and Martyn in their joint statement.
The property is set to undergo a significant transformation. The landlord intends to redevelop the space into a larger retail unit featuring separate living accommodation.
Faced with these changes, the family reached an agreement to be released from the long-term lease, with Wendy and Martyn taking on a short-term lease to facilitate the final months of trading and oversee the winding down of the business.
Since the mid-1960s, Barbara’s Store has been more than just a retail space; it has been a cornerstone of village life. The news has already sparked a wave of nostalgia and gratitude among residents.
"We have made many friends over this time and hope the village gets its shop back soon," the family shared, reflecting on over half a century of memories.
While the exact closing date in June 2026 is yet to be finalised, the family has assured the community that it remains "business as usual" for the time being. Residents are encouraged to stop by, share their memories, and support the shop during its final chapters.
As the family prepares to move on to "pastures new," the village of Empingham prepares to say a long and fond farewell to a local institution that has served them faithfully since 1968.
