Triangle fruit, veg and wholefood store Fruitopia has ceased trading.
The shop has been cleared and stands empty of stock, and did not open on the first trading day of July. This comes at a time when various shops at the Triangle lie empty, and when Triangle traders have been talking about launching a publicity campaign to encourage local shopping. Article continues after this message...
A notice pinned on the shop window today (Tuesday July 3) thanks customers, and cites a range of reasons for the closure. It says:
"Due to increased overheads and falling sales Fruitopia has had to cease trading. The staff would like to thank all those customers who remained loyal following the expansion of the Co-op's fruit and vegetable section, the closure of the post office, the opening of the flower shop, the transfer of Waitrose from town to Portswood, and the opening of Tesco Express.”
Graham Cotton, from the Triangle bakery, writes:
Tesco claims its first scalp
Fruitopa has been forced to cease trading as from today. It’s so very sad to see the stock being removed, resulting in yet another empty shop. Peter has put on a brave face — it’s so very difficult to understand just how much hardship this will inevitably cause for him and his young family.
I do hope from now on Good health, Good fortune and Honest Love, rides with him and his family.
As so often happens in adversity, some snigger, others just do not care; fortunately I believe most people of Bitterne Park are genuine and shall be deeply saddened at the loss of an essential service. Without the balance of basic food suppliers, this surely is one death nail too many in the coffin of our village. Can Gary in the butchers and myself in the bakery keep our village alive? We will truly try but we do need your support!

I do not know the exact figures, but have been advised by a property valuation expert, that if the Triangle fails and can no longer boast at least the basics - a local butcher, bakery and greengrocer, every property in Bitterne Park will drop in value by at least Ł10,000. So the loss of Fruitopia may well result in a loss of millions in the value of local properties.
We need to pull together: let us protect and save our community. We still have a chance to live the real life that the majority in this country has lost.
Graham Cotton.
At bitternepark.info we’d like to thank Fruitopia for supporting us with advertising when the site first started — and of course for selling us great fruit and veg over the years. It’s a sad loss, and we wish Pete and Nancy all the best for the future.
For our interview with Pete Smith, click here
See also
Who wanted this, again?
Approval for new Cobden Ave store
All change at the Triangle
Interesting links:
Tesco store changes are belatedly approved - Daily Echo
Giant denies "Tesco Town" - Daily Echo
Tescopoly
Clone Town Britain news from the New Economics Foundation
Shop around for diverse high streets while you still can - Guardian