Annies, in Ticklemore Street, Totnes, has been a same family-run fruit and veg shop for more than 40 years. It was opened by Torquay-born Roy Johnson (who is still involved in the business) and his wife, Felicity Ann (from whom it took its name). Today it’s owned and run by Roy’s son, Sean, who was born in Broomborough Hospital, Totnes (“They closed the hospital down the following week,” says Sean with a smile).
Shopping habits have changed dramatically over that 40+ years, particularly with the rise of supermarkets, but Annies has weathered every trading storm, while other local specialist food stores closed around us. The secret to our continued success is a combination of traditional and modern thinking. The high-quality fresh produce and good old-fashioned friendly service has kept generations coming back for more – and in ever-increasing numbers as today’s shoppers are again recognising the value of local, independent shops.
We are the greener green grocer at the heart of the revival in ‘real’ community shopping.
Annies is perfectly placed to meet the demands of the green-minded shopper – just check out the plastic-free packaging, eco products and wholefoods, sold in-store. Decades of experience and contacts in the fruit and veg business means Annies can beat all the other local specialist outlets – and often supermarkets too – on price. So Annies is the perfect example of a business for our times: local, independent and traditional – but with modern eco values and keen prices into the bargain.