North Yorkshire farm shop more than doubles in size following customer demand

Due to overwhelming customer demand following COVID-19, Bert’s Barrow Farm Shop has extended its premises by 75%.

Based in Hillam near Selby, Bert’s took the decision after closing its successful drive-thru, which proved popular during the peak of the coronavirus pandemic, giving customers the option of contactless shopping from the comfort and safety of their cars.

After lockdown lifted, the Bert’s team realised the current shop couldn’t cater to their growing demand and the need for social distancing.

Owner Charlotte Wells-Thompson, who runs the farm shop along with husband Jason and a team of 10 staff from their family farm, said: “The drive-thru was a runaway success and it was fantastic to be able to continue to support both the local community and the businesses whose products we stock through a really difficult time. 

“We created the drive-thru literally overnight to enable us to keep trading, and the extension of the farm shop has been no different. Once we were allowed to welcome customers back into the shop, it was clear that some changes needed to be made to make it safe for both our staff and the public.

“Our fantastic team has worked around the clock to create a bigger space, which in turn has enabled us to stock and support more local businesses as well.”

Aside from more than doubling the shop size, Bert’s has also introduced a click-and-collect service to enable customers to order groceries online to collect between Thursday and Saturday each week. Pick Your Own strawberries is also back and proving to be popular.

“Our PYO strawberries are a great outdoor activity for families and have been really popular over the last couple of weeks, whilst our new click-and-collect service has been really busy too, as customers look at new ways of shopping,” Charlotte said. “We’re passionate about supporting both the local community and local producers, so it’s the perfect way to marry the two, and we’re grateful for everyone’s continued support during these tricky times.”

Bert’s Barrow stocks a range of locally sourced meat, fruit and vegetables as well as artisanal goods from Yorkshire’s producers.

The company’s pivot is just one of many examples of businesses adapting during coronavirus. Throughout lockdown and as restrictions continue to ease, more stories of innovation are being showcased, including a new community of independent food producers in Yorkshire and retailers partnering up with food apps for on-demand grocery delivery.

Do you have a story of innovation you want to share? We’re looking for inspiring businesses that have adapted during lockdown. Share your story with us for a chance to win free media coverage worth £750. Find out more here.