Kirk Stores in High Wycombe to close after 34 years in business

Kirk Stores, which is based on Gordon Road within the town, will shut in the evening of Friday, June 30, after the council purchased the space to build a new set of flats in the area.

Ran by Vibha Joshi, who is originally from India, the shop had become a place of relaxation and comfort for some elderly members of the local community, as the owner explained to the Free Press that her business was ‘more than just a place to buy bread and milk’.

The mother and daughter team pictured on June 29 - one day before the shop closed (Image: NQ)

She said: “I’m very sad for my customers.

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“I worry about them as they don’t just come in here to get their bread and milk, they come in for a cup of tea and talk.

“They are also quite elderly so for lots of them, coming to the shop is the highlight of their day as they don’t have anyone to talk to.

“I'm sad but I'm thankful - that’s what I'm feeling.”

Vibha reencountered the numerous tales from the past three decades, with some including helping the homeless in the area, to giving financially destitute customers monthly credit.

The memories of Kirks will remain once their doors officially shut at 5pm on June 30, and with former customers coming from as far as Tring in Hertfordshire to say their goodbyes ahead of their final day, the Joshi’s hope that their store will live long in the memory.

Vibha’s daughter, Meera, 36, added: “I do feel sad for the customers but am delighted that we have been part of their community for so long.

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“We’ve got a dear friend of ours who remembers me when I was at nursery.

“Stuff like this is down to the people who make it, and it’s not necessarily down to the building.

David Dyson, 82, (left) is a family friend to the Joshi's and has been a frequent customer since their shop opened in 1989 (Image: NQ)

“It’s down to the customers that come in, and their interactions are what make it.

“So it’ll be sad to not see them as frequently.

“We’re friends and will keep them in touch."

“My mum will still be delivering to vulnerable people in the area as some people don’t have anyone.

"Thank you to everyone who has come in for the past 34 years, your support has meant everything."

The Joshi's also confirmed that any surplus food and drink will be donated to local food banks.