Evolution of shopping in Bury St Edmunds

Changes in Bury’s Shopping Landscape

Bury was once home to many shops and businesses. Each area of the town had what residents needed, like bread, meat, and groceries. This convenience changed after two world wars.

The twice-weekly markets were still important. People met friends and caught up on gossip, which was a key way to socialize.

It is often said that “a bad name always travels faster than a good one.” This was true in the past, where good service was essential for any business.

Historical Overview of Bury’s Shops

In the mid-1800s, Bury had over 40 bakers and flour dealers, nearly 30 butchers, and 45 boot and shoemakers. This was remarkable given the population was under 14,000.

The first census in 1841 listed property occupants and their jobs. It also showed the ages at which children began working to help their families.

Large families were common, inspired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.

The 1870 Education Act made education compulsory for children aged five to 12. Many young girls often went into domestic service, a common practice at the time.

Nationally, over one million people worked in domestic service until World War One.

Impact of Co-operative Shops

The rise of multi-provisional shops, like the Co-operative Society, hurt small independent shopkeepers. Members could cash in their dividends, known as ‘Divi,’ which returned a share of profits to them.

This system rewarded spending with cash, vouchers, or shares, while also supporting the local community.

Bury St Edmunds had several Co-ops, including locations on West Road, Risbygate Street, and Southgate Street. The Quality House, a department store, took over the Playhouse cinema in 1959, but all these stores are now gone.

Interestingly, Leos, one of the first out-of-town supermarkets, took over the Co-op bakery when it closed.

Modern Supermarkets Change Shopping Habits

The first modern supermarket in Bury was Sainsbury’s on Cornhill. This changed shopping dramatically.

While Co-op shops had limited choices, supermarkets offered a vast selection of products. Shoppers could do their weekly shopping in one trip.

The introduction of freezers changed how people bought perishable goods.

However, out-of-town supermarkets tempted shoppers to buy more than they intended, thanks to parking convenience.

Decline of Town Centre Shops

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Bird were possibly the last owners of a town centre business, running a café called Street Level until a couple of years ago. It is now Hendos Fish & Chips.

Many buildings in the town have not changed much, but the shops have. Areas like Southgate Street and Churchgate Street have seen a decline in shops.

Rising business rates are a major cause of this decline. However, service businesses like hairdressers and nail bars still manage to survive, though often for a short time.

There has been a notable increase in coffee shops. Abbeygate Street is now known for its café culture, and Bury St Edmunds is becoming a ‘foody’ destination, highlighted by Suffolk’s only Michelin Star restaurant, Pea Porridge.

Future of Shopping in Bury

As the town expands, shopping precincts in residential areas are being reconsidered. Areas like Moreton Hall and Westley used to have local shops for residents without transport.

Marham Park, a large area north of Bury, still lacks a shop despite promises. Planners and developers should address this issue.

While the town has large supermarkets, not everyone has daily access to a car. The shift to card payments, especially with loyalty programs, has also changed shopping forever.