In February Plamena Marinova and Biser Andreev opened Abbey Fresh Food in the large retail unit previously occupied by Abingdon Sports.

The couple came to the UK from Bulgaria in 2006 and worked for Millets Farm near Frilford, picking, planting and packing fruit.

READ MORE: French bakery in Oxford closes suddenly

They started out in the UK living in a caravan and worked at the farm centre for 10 years.

Then earlier this year they opened the High Street shop unit selling fresh fruit and vegetables, bread, meat and lots of other groceries, including cheese and wine.

But this week a notice appeared informing customers that the shop was temporarily closed.

(Image: Andy Ffrench) It says: “We are saddened to say that due to unforeseen circumstances we will be closing down for an unknown length of time.

“We apologise for the inconvenience caused and we hope to see you all again soon.”

When the shop opened in February there was a rush of customers and shop owners said they were pleased with the support.

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“It’s been very busy with customers since early this morning,” said Mr Andreev at the time.

“The customers have been coming in waves throughout the day and they have given us a good welcome, asking lots of questions.”

(Image: Andy Ffrench) The owners said they were hoping customers found the shop a convenient alternative to the supermarkets and pledged to keep their prices as low as possible.

As well as facing competition from supermarkets including Tesco and Waitrose, they were also competing against the popular fruit and veg stall which serves the Monday market.

Among the customers on the first day were Ann Needham and son Michael who live in the town.

Mrs Needham said: “I have lived here for 60 years so when I heard about this shop I thought I would go and have a look.

(Image: Andy Ffrench) “I’m pleased to see something like this in the town centre and I hope they do well.

“I think their success could depend on their pricing.”

Son Michael added: “My mum doesn’t drive so it’s not so easy for her to get to the supermarkets – anything that is new and fresh like this in the town centre is good.”

(Image: Andy Ffrench) Alina, who works in a nearby building society, said in February she was pleased to see the fresh bread.

“Staff are very friendly – I will definitely be coming back,” she added.

The shop unit remained empty for years after the sports shop closed in 2020 and other traders in the town will be concerned that it now appears to be closed again.

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About the author 

Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here. 

He joined the team more than 20 years ago and he covers community news across Oxfordshire.

His Trade and Tourism newsletter is released every Saturday morning. 

You can also read his weekly Traffic and Transport newsletter.