ONE of Yate’s oldest and best-loved shops is closing as its owner retires.
Meredith Ironmongers (above), in South Walk at Yate Shopping Centre, is closing at the end of July.
It is believed to be one of the last of the centre’s surviving original shops.
News of the closure was announced on the centre’s Facebook page in mid-July.
A spokesperson said: “Meredith’s are sadly closing their store at the end of July after 60 years of serving the community.
“We wish Patrick Meredith a well-deserved happy retirement and the store team our best wishes for the future.
“Meredith’s closing down sale has started.”
Happy memories
The social media post was flooded with comments from shoppers sharing their dismay at the news – and their happy memories of using the shop.
One said: “Oh no! Meredith’s is a Yate institution.
“So many memories of that shop. Well done for keeping going this long, and best wishes to Pat for a wonderful and long retirement.
Another customer said: “Sad to see another independent business closing but happy retirement!”
One simply said: “Yate without Meredith’s is like London without Big Ben.”
Another said: “The end of an era. I wish them all the very best for the future – the shop and all the staff will be be sorely missed.”
South Gloucestershire Yate North ward councillor Chris Willmore wrote: “Just recorded an oral history today from someone who was an apprentice here in 1959.
“He talked fondly about Pat Meredith as part of the initial small set of shops on the shopping centre – been there from the start.”