BRADFORD, Vt. (WCAX) – The village store on Main Street in Bradford has been a fixture in this community for years. However, the current owner’s tenure is coming to an end.
It’s a steady lunch crowd at the Bliss Village Store and Deli, a spot where you can get breakfast, lunch and dinner any time of the day.
“Coffee’s real good, people are nice, friendly,” said Sue Bean of Bradford.
But some shelves are not stocked as usual. That’s because the store is closing.
“I was shocked,” Bean said. “I mean this store has been here a long time.”
The building itself, originally a hotel, has been in Bradford since the early 1800s. The storefront has greeted guests for generations.
“We are losing a key centerpiece to the village,” said Nathan Robinson of Robinson’s Roost, an egg supplier.
Robinson says a local business leaving is an unfortunate sign of the times.
“We do have people who don’t have transportation where we need the local employment,” he said.
Staffing issues were one concern, but rising operational costs made the business unsustainable.
“Without getting too emotional, yeah, it’s a rough decision,” said Marilyn Rainville of the Bliss Village Store.
Rainville has managed the family-owned business for the last two years. She says she can only raise prices so much and regulars just aren’t coming in as often.
“I’m really glad that we got to come here and be a part of this community. It’s a rough decision,” Rainville said.
“It’s really, really sad,” said Emily Cummings, who chairs the Bradford Business Association and runs the teen center next to the store.
She’s glad to hear that several new business owners have expressed interest in the space but so far nothing has been officially announced.
“I can’t imagine Main Street without that store there. So yeah, it’s a big blow,” Cummings said. “It’s kind of like the hub of our town.”
The business is slated to close on Oct. 15, however, the owners say that is subject to change if they can find a new lease for the business.