‘It has been an honour to be part of your lives’
Hibbert’s Butchers, in Westhoughton, will be closing its doors after 80 years(Image: Hibbert’s)
The owners of a beloved shop in Greater Manchester have announced that they are to close up very soon after nearly 80 years in business.
Hibbert’s Butchers, in Westhoughton, first opened its doors on Church Street in 1946 and has been a prominent shop on the high street ever since, selling beef and lamb that was bred on their own farm.
Over the years, the family-run Bolton butchers have won a number of awards for their products, and has been described by locals as a ‘fantastic family business who have given 80 years to our town’.
In a post on social media this week, the owners of the butchers said they would be closing the shop as they would be retiring. Thanking customers for ‘80 wonderful years’, the owners said the shop will close at the start of November.
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The family-run butchers will close down in two months(Image: Hibbert’s)
The Hibbert family posted: “It has been an honour to be part of your lives – from the Sunday roasts to the family celebrations – and we are deeply grateful for your loyalty, friendship, and support through the generations.
“This shop has always been more than a business; it has been a part of the community and of our family. From our family to yours – thank you for 80 unforgettable years.”
The news was met with a mixture of upset yet understanding from members of the local community. The Westhoughton Tower Bellringers responded: “We will miss our neighbours very much! Wishing you a happy retirement! We will ring the bells to say ‘thank you!’ that weekend.”
Another regular customer, quite dramatically, said: “This some kind of sick joke?! Can’t be doing this to us howfen folk guys! Best butchers not just in howfen but the world! Will be sadly missed. Best get stocking up on my steak now then!”
The butchers has been selling its own meat products, from their own farms, for nearly 80 years(Image: Hibbert’s)
One other posted: “A sad day for Howfen but we wish you all the best. A fantastic family with a business that emulated the community we had, you will be missed by us all.”
Another wrote: “Even though I’m sad to read this, I’m happy for you guys! For not retiring when it’s too late, well done to you all. Loved my meat for years when I got it through you! Congratulations and enjoy it, you deserve to.”
The Hibbert family also said that any customers who had paid into the Christmas club would have their monies returned, and can call into the shop before they close to collect. Hibbert’s last day will be on Saturday, November 1.
Hibbert’s is on 61-63 Church Street, Westhoughton, Bolton, BL5 3RU.
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