Beloved Scottish Butchers Bids Goodbye After 40 Years
An iconic pie shop, Burchall’s, that has served the community for an impressive 185 years, closed its doors for good on Saturday. This historic establishment, located in St Helens near Liverpool, announced its impending closure back in November 2024.
Burchall’s on Westfield Street has been a cornerstone of the local community, cherished for its delectable pork pies, quality meats, and warm, inviting atmosphere. Over nearly two centuries, it has supplied countless generations with their favorite pastry-cased offerings. Each week, the shop produces between 500 and 700 pies, crafted with handmade pastry and using meat processed on-site, requiring a dedicated team of 11 staff members to ensure the highest quality.
The fifth-generation owner, John Burchall, 75, is retiring, marking the end of an era for this beloved institution. Loyal customers lined up outside the shop hours before its opening time this week, eager for one last taste of the famous pies. Excited queues snaked down the street as pie enthusiasts came in droves to bid farewell to a local treasure.
However, the closure signifies more than just the end of pie sales. For many locals, it was a chance to connect with a piece of St Helens’ history and to shake hands with a Burchall behind the counter. In an interview with the St Helens Star, John shared, “I did consider selling the business and had a few interested parties, but I’m hesitant to sell due to the historical and family connections. I’ve been tempted to part with the recipe, but only if the quality of our products could be maintained.”
Reflecting on the closure, John stated, “It’s a risk, but it feels wonderful to go out on a high note. After winning awards and receiving such kind comments from our patrons, I hope the business will be fondly remembered.” Notably, John received the Pride of St Helens award last year for his contributions to the local community.
The origins of Burchall’s date back to 1840, just three years into Queen Victoria’s reign. It was originally established by Joseph Burchall as a butcher’s shop on Church Street in St Helens town center. With the support of his wife, Elizabeth, the business expanded to include bakery goods. In 1921, the shop relocated to Westfield Street, where it continued to thrive.
John began helping out in the bakery at the tender age of seven for some pocket money. After a brief stint working in banks, he returned to the family business in the 1970s at the age of 27, eventually taking over the reins after his father’s passing in 1995. John strategically chose the closing date to coincide with the anniversary of his father’s death.
Why Are Retailers Closing Stores?
Retailers across the UK have been grappling with significant challenges since the pandemic, as rising costs of living have led consumers to cut back on spending. High energy prices and a shift towards online shopping have further strained many high street shops, making it increasingly difficult for them to sustain operations.
The British Retail Consortium has projected that the government’s increase to employer National Insurance contributions from April could cost the retail sector a staggering £2.3 billion. Coupled with a rise in the minimum wage to £12.21 per hour, and the minimum for those aged 18-20 increasing to £10, this adds further strain on retailers already struggling to stay afloat.
- The Centre for Retail Research (CRR) has warned that around 17,350 retail sites are expected to close this year.
- This follows a tough 2024, during which 13,000 shops closed their doors for good, marking a 28% increase compared to the previous year.
- Professor Joshua Bamfield, director of the CRR, stated, “The outcomes for store closures, while not as severe as in 2020 or 2022, remain concerning, with a grim outlook for 2025.”
Additionally, nearly 170,000 retail workers lost their jobs in 2024, with the CRR reporting that job losses surged amid the collapse of major retail chains such as Homebase and Ted Baker. Their analysis indicated that total retail job losses reached 169,395 for the calendar year, reflecting an alarming increase of 41.9% from 2023.
This represents the highest annual job losses since over 200,000 jobs were shed in 2020 as a direct consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic. The CRR noted that 38 major retailers entered administration in 2024, including well-known names like Lloyds Pharmacy and The Body Shop. A significant portion of retail job losses—33%, or 55,914 in total—were attributed to these administrations.
Experts warn that small high street shops may face particularly tough times in 2025 due to changes in tax and wage legislation. Professor Bamfield predicts that retail job losses could surpass even the heights reached during the pandemic, stating, “By increasing both the costs of running stores and the financial burden on households, it is likely we will witness retail job losses exceeding those of 2020.”