This year is a very special one for The Hollies Farm Shop in Little Budworth, near Tarporley in Cheshire, whose retail complex includes the award winning The Barn gift shop, as well as the newly opened The Living Shop lifestyle outlet which sells a design-led selection clothing and fashion accessories, along with furniture, home accessories and lighting.
It was exactly 60 years ago that Richard Cowap started the business with a vegetable stand on the side of the road that had an honesty box. His wife Hilary helped him in the business while also raising a family of future Hollies Farm Shop entrepreneurs – children Phil, Ed and Sue – who are all now directors and responsible for taking the business onwards and upwards.
Sixty years on, as well as two gift outlets, the retail destination includes a farm shop, butchery, coffee shop, evening restaurant, delicatessen, plant nursery and five star luxury Forest Lodges. In 2007, another The Hollies Farm Shop and coffee shop was opened at Lower Stretton, along with a boutique hotel in the Scottish Highlands. A second boutique hotel opened on Tarporley high street last year.
“We have worked really hard over the years,” comments Richard. “It’s not been easy, but we’ve forged our way through the hard times. I’m so proud of my children and what they have achieved.”
He says the family’s passion lies in its sourcing and in providing the best customer service through every part if the business while maintaining the Cowap family values.”
In 2017, The Barn at The Hollies won The Greats Best Non-Specialist Retailer of Gifts category.
Top: Keeping it in the family. The Cowap family are currently celebrating The Hollies Farm Shop’s 60th anniversary.
