Taking our Farm Shops to the Streets

Whilst other stores were dropping out of the British high streets, we were expanding with our third farm shop. We explore the role our shops play in interacting with our customers and communicating our values.

Sorry Shoppers

The rapid depreciation of the bustling British high street has been widely reported in recent years. With the longitudinal impacts of the pandemic causing customers to alter where they spend their money and how often, as well as the vast majority of outlets now operating online, the direct need for physical stores has decreased. Pair this with unregulated retail centre expansions which have created a vast surplus of shops and it is clear to see why in March 2022 16% of the shops standing on Britain’s high streets were left vacant and without purpose.

Image: Eversfield Organic Tavistock

Most at threat are the more humble high streets in towns. Despite this, in 2021, we decided to venture into this tough market with our third Farm Shop and second Organic Cafe on a high street plot in the Wiltshire town of Marlborough. This added to our more local shops in Tavistock and Totnes and represented our faith in the power of organic.

Time for Conservation

Whilst it is clear that high streets cannot compete with juggernaut businesses who have a nationwide online reach and the ability to combine basement prices with variety, there are other unique ways in which they triumph over these competitors. For instance, nothing quite compares to the immediate convenience of a local store. If you’re caught short on the morning of a dinner party, our deliciously fresh cold cuts and comprehensive selection of organic wines in store could be a lifesaver!

Further, there are advantages to experiencing products in person. Our stores are always full of pleasant surprises and studying displays may lead you to stumble across a new range of products that you weren’t aware of. Another huge bonus of visiting a physical store is the unmatched customer service. Our knowledgeable shop employees are dedicated to providing a thorough and personalised encounter for all customers. 

We love the social element our shop provides. You can always find a like-minded individual to chat with and trade organic recipe tips. Fancy a catch-up? Our cafes provide the perfect place to connect with old friends over a decadent organic treat and a natural brew of choice.

Creating our High Street Community

We were delighted to see our Marlborough shop and cafe recently earn a mention in WiltshireLive’s discussion of the Marlborough high street which is defying the odds and thriving. It is encouraging to see that our ethos of combining elite quality organic produce with dedicated service is getting the recognition we believe that it deserves. 

Community is hugely important to us here at Eversfield. Having created an in person network of loyal customers, beginning with our most local shop in Tavistock, before expanding to Totnes and Marlborough, our goal is to forge relationships, create a seamless customer experience, and share our love of everything organic. 

Find your nearest Eversfield Organic Farm Shop, Deli and Cafe, including opening times and cafe menus here. We’ll meet you there.