Our Story – Kirdford Village Stores

Welcome to Kirdford
Village Stores

Kirdford Village Stores is deeply rooted in the history of our village. Our story is one of community spirit, resilience, and a dedication to serving the needs of local people.

From Kirdford Growers to Village Shop

Our building has a long and fascinating history. It was once part of Kirdford Growers, the first wholesale co-operative in England. Established in a time when Kirdford was renowned for its apple growing, Kirdford Growers played a vital role in the community, handling the packaging and distribution of fruit. It was a major employer and a social hub for the village.

The Growers had its own shop, which closed in 1999. A smaller shop then operated as “Kirdford Post Office and Stores” until Kirdford Growers finally closed in 2000 after 75 years in business.

A Community Effort

In 2010, the building was brought back to life thanks to the incredible efforts of Sue Ransley and the village shop steering committee. With the support of dedicated volunteers, they raised over £200,000 to buy the timber-framed building and transform it into the attractive shop we have today. The official opening on 5th June 2010, by renowned actress Julie Walters, was a momentous occasion and a testament to the community’s determination to revive this important local resource.

Continuing the Legacy

Kirdford Village Stores is proud to carry on the legacy of serving the community. We are open seven days a week, providing a wide range of products and services to meet the needs of our customers. We stock fresh bread and cakes, locally sourced fruit, vegetables, and eggs, and all the everyday essentials.

Evolving with the Times

We are constantly evolving our range and services in response to customer feedback and changing needs. We believe in listening to our customers and providing what they want, ensuring that we remain a relevant and valuable asset to the community.

Under New Management

In November 2016, Craig and his team took over Kirdford Village Stores. They have brought new energy and ideas, developing the shop into the thriving business it is today. Craig and his team are passionate about serving the community and are committed to providing a friendly and welcoming environment for all.

Award-Winning Service

Our dedication to the community and our commitment to excellent service have been recognized with several prestigious awards:

Best Village Shop: In 2011, we won “Best Village Shop” in the Telegraph Magazines “Best Small Shops in Britain Awards,” presented by retail guru Mary Portas.
Best Village Store and Post Office: We were awarded “Best Village Store and Post Office” for the South East region two years running at the Countryside Alliance’s “Rural Oscars.”
Community Retailer of the Year: In 2017, Kirdford Village Stores received the prestigious Community Retailer of the Year award at the Palmer and Harvey Pro-retail trade show. This award recognized our outstanding work in the community and our commitment to providing excellent service.

Supporting Young People

We are passionate about supporting young people in our community. We have been recognized for our efforts in providing opportunities for young adults, such as employing them to help with their Duke of Edinburgh awards.

Looking to the Future

Kirdford Village Stores is more than just a shop; it’s a vital part of the community. We are proud to serve our customers and to play a role in the life of our village. We look forward to continuing to serve Kirdford and the surrounding areas for many years to come.

Visit Us Today

We invite you to visit Kirdford Village Stores and experience our friendly service and wide range of products and services. Whether you’re popping in for a pint of milk, collecting a parcel, or enjoying a coffee and a cake in our Café to Go, you’ll receive a warm welcome from Craig and the Kirdford team.