THE doors have closed for the last time on a Thurrock business that has added colour, fun and sympathy to the lives of thousands of borough families for more than four decades.

Fisher's Florist, on River View in Chadwell St Mary has been at the heart of its local community since being founded by husband and wife team Bill and Janet Fisher 42 years ago. Originally it was a greengrocer's but it quickly converted to becoming a florist after ASDA opened its superstore in nearby Tilbury in 1982.

The couple quickly realised they could not compete with the big chain – and, all these years later, it is that competition that finally forced the decision to shut up shop.

Bill died aged 68 in 2016 from cancer but Janet and their daughter Gayna Mansfield continued the business, determined to keep his legacy alive.

They were, because of rising costs, contemplating closing as far back as 2020 but the onset of the covid pandemic brought a new determination to be there for the local community.

Fishers in its prime.

Gayna said: "Dad gave his life up for the shop, working at the store seven days a week, which made me and mum want to carry on running it, but in reality, for me, Fishers died seven years ago.

"Someone said to me 'do you think the business is going to survive through covid?' I said 'yes, they are not going to tell me to close, it's not going to be us closing'.

"But who knows, maybe that would have been the right time to do it."

The decision was finally made because of escalating costs.

Gayna explained: ""We cannot buy the flowers from the wholesaler cheaper than what the supermarkets are selling for. I think it is just time now, everything is changing."

Fishers became renowed for producing unique floral tributes.

And she has seen a big change in the market for flowers for funerals – a speciality of Fishers who were renowned for the challenge of producing bespoke floral tributes.  

Gayna said: "Most people now go for family flowers only and it is donations. A lot people are now going online for shopping too.

"We have noticed a big change since covid with less footfall to the shop and I think, in general and across the board, small shops are going to disappear.

"It's a great shame and I am sure many small business owners like ourselves will feel the pain of saying goodbye to staff who have become friends. I must say a huge thank-you to everyone who has worked here – and to all those who have supported us over the years.

"But now it's time to go and I look forward to being able to spend more time with mum."