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 minster, 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.
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.”
Over the years the business has weathered many storms.
“The recission in 1990,” Martin 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 local vulnerable and disabled customers.
Martin says the shop’s staff has been an amazing asset over the years.
“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.”
Pop in store to 6 Bush Walk, Wokingham.
