IT’S the end of an era for Kilmore, as one of the town’s longest-serving supermarkets, Finch’s Friendly Grocer, prepares to close the checkout for the last time.
The recent sale of the supermarket closes the chapter on one of Kilmore’s historical businesses, which was the first inland grocery store to obtain a liquor licence.
Current owner and manager Ron Finch purchased the store in March 1982 from local couple Gerard and Clare Clancy.
Mr and Mrs Clancy, who had owned the store for seven years, extended the shop, taking it from a small grocery store to a modern supermarket.
“We brought the shop from my parents Charlie and Mary Brady and they had had it since 1963,” Mrs Clancy said.
“It was us that brought the two shops to the north of it (Finch’s) and extended the place,” she said.
“My husband and I still have an attachment to that shop.”
At the time that Mr finch took ownership of the store the only other supermarket that was believed to be operating in Kilmore was housed at the building which is now known as Kemp’s Bakery.
That supermarket was built in 1980 and was converted into the bakery in 1991.
Since taking ownership of the store, Mr Finch has employed many locals throughout the years.
Affectionately known as ‘Finchies’ by the town’s shoppers, the store is expected to close in four weeks time.
It is not known if the new owners will continue to operate the supermarket.
