Brownlies of Biggar taken over by Greens Retail

South Lanarkshire store Brownlies of Biggar has been acquired by Greens Retail.

The store, which has been run by Donna and Bruce Morgan for 16 years, officially changed hands earlier this month, with Greens taking over the business.

The store was put on the market earlier this year, with the couple wanting to spend more time with their family following what they described as a “tough couple of years”.

Greens has been on the hunt for stores since its rebranding from Eros Retail in May and has expanded its senior team including the appointment of former Jempson’s supplier business and marketing manager Dominic Plomer-Roberts as its new supplier relationship manager.

In September, it acquired Wilson Rea’s Keystore More site and appointed former Nisa fresh food development manager Kevin Polley as fresh foods & FTG development manager.

During their 16 years at the helm of Brownlies of Biggar, the couple won numerous industry accolades, including Community Retailer of the Year and Best Customer Service awards.

Speaking to ConvenienceStore.co.uk, Donna and Bruce explained that the sale had been in the works for some time. “We accepted an offer seven months ago, but we only found out one and a half weeks ago when it [the store changing hands] was going to happen,” she said.

“Everybody has been lovely, people have been bringing cards and flowers in and the Facebook messages have been really nice,” she says tearfully. “Our best memories will be of the people - the staff and the people we’ve met at awards dos, the experiences. You become attached to people over the years.”

However, she has no regrets about selling up and the couple are looking forward to spending more time with their two teenage sons. “It was the right decision for our family,” she said. “I won’t miss my alarm going off at 4am on a Saturday morning; taking a laptop with us when we go on holiday; or leaving my son at home at age 15 when he was sick.”

In terms of future plans, Bruce is looking at an open university degree in electronics, but first the Morgans are off on a family holiday. “We’re going to Menorca the week after next without the laptop!”

The couple will be sorely missed by their customers, who left hundreds of messages on the store’s Facebook page. 

Local community fundraiser Angela McCormack said: “Thank you for everything, your hard work and devotion to your customers - the early mornings, the late nights, the fantastic fundraising and community support to name just a few.”

Customer Gail Smith said: “Thank you for providing such a fab service, great staff and a vast selection of produce - you will be greatly missed!”

While Pam Tennant added: “The pair of you have been amazing….for years, but particularly during lockdown when you and your team went above and beyond. I will never forget that, the same as so many others. I wish you both all the very best for the future. I hope you enjoy the peace and quiet you so deserve!”