THIS year Vitality Health Foods celebrates four decades of trading in Wokingham town centre.
The shop first opened in Peach street in 1985, when Margaret Thatcher was prime minister, and Boris Becker won the men’s singles tennis championship at Wimbledon.
Owner Martin Gibbs is proud of the independent shop’s achievement in successfully trading for this length of time.
As part of its 40th year celebration Vitality will be giving out 40 free goodie bags to customers, randomly chosen each day during the month of October.
Martin Gibbs said: “When I first started trading in 1985 it was with the help of a bank loan of £6000 from the local NatWest Bank in Broad Street.
“I knew straight away it would be a success, as there were no other health food stores in Wokingham, and one was desperately needed.”
Martin says that in the last 15 years Wokingham has been twice voted the healthiest town in England.
“We would like to think we have helped to contribute to this by supplying residents with healthy additive-free organic foods,” he said.
Ten years ago the shop moved from Peach Street to its current location in Bush Walk.
“At the time we were apprehensive about moving,” Martin continued, “but we had no choice, as we were served an eviction notice by the council due to the planned town centre redevelopment in Peach Street.
“In the event the move went smoothly and we were able to retain most of our loyal customers from the Peach Street store.”
Over the years the business has weathered many storms.
“We remember well the recession in 1990,” he said, “the financial crash in 2008, and then the pandemic in 2020 as well.
“During that period we managed to set up a daily delivery service to our vulnerable and disabled customers.
“And to this day we continue to provide a delivery service to our local vulnerable and disabled customers.”
Martin says the shop’s staff has been an amazing asset over the years.
“Last year a member of staff retired having been with us for 38 years,” he said.
“She joined in 1986 as a trainee, rising to the position of store manager, before retiring last year.
“We’ve also had a retired oncologist from Royal Berkshire Hospital working for us until he moved to Swanage last year.
“He firmly believed that the best medicine for cancer patients was a good healthy diet, a good exercise regime, and a positive state of mind.
“We’re very proud to have served Wokingham over the last 40 years.
“This has only been possible due to the fantastic and loyal health-conscious residents of Wokingham, whom we thank very much.”
For the opportunity to receive a randomly chosen goody bag, visitors should drop into the store at 6 Bush Walk, Wokingham.
