A Carshalton greengrocer has retired after more than 40 years as his family-owned business changes hands in ownership.

Ted Thompson, who is now 70, owned Pick ‘N Pay in Middleton Road for decades and had been in the parade for almost 60 years.

The family tried for three years to sell it, resisting several offers to change its use into something different following his decision to retire.

If there was no luck in one more month then the shop would be closed for good, but the now-owner arrived a week later and bought it – promising to keep it as is.

Mr Thompson said: “When I started working on my dad’s barrow [shop] when I was 12, I never thought I would spend all my life working at the Circle and eventually own the greengrocer shop which used to be a Gerrards.

“Looking back to those days, I remember how busy the parade was.

“The Circle had every shop you could wish for, and the area had a buzz about it. With the St Helier Arms opposite, it had everything a community needed and was a great place to be.

“Unfortunately it is a shadow of its former self but now, after 40 years in the shop, we decided to retire.

“And after trying for three years to sell it, we were facing a dilemma.”

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The Barrow Boys in The Circle, Carshalton

The now-retired greengrocer was sure the business would be sold as was but, following previous proposals, he admitted he had his doubts.

The family agreed to give it another month, and if they had no luck then Pick ‘N Pay would be closed down.

It was a week later that the new owner came into the shop and, within five minutes, said he would buy it.

Pick ‘N Pay’s sale was confirmed earlier this month on November 1 and now Mr Thompson looks forward to his retirement.

He added: “We will all miss our customers, the chats, laughter, and humour which we had in our shop – something supermarkets cannot provide.

“I was in a supermarket recently and watched people [act] more like robots than human beings. No fun, talking or laughing – I felt sorry for them.

“Now on reflection I realise how lucky I have been to work at the Circle and it has been a pleasure for us to have worked with – and served – the community.”