Well-established Local Store Marks Half a Century

around the globe as well as many Isle of Man producers.

Robinson’s Retail Director, Ross Williamson, said: ‘We want to say a huge thank you to all the team, customers and suppliers for the past 50 years.

‘To mark this occasion, our Terrace team has presented 50 daffodil bouquets to neighbouring customers and residents earlier this year, as well as hampers to businesses. The store has also launched a 10% Student and Blue Light discount on its range as a thank you for the loyalty and support over many years.’

Today’s local range includes brands such as: Noa Bakehouse, Ross Bakery, IOM Creamery, The Dairy Shed, Leela’s Kitchen, Angelica Belle, Jan Brown’s Beskuits, The Fish Market, Morgan’s Pies, SOLO Eco-Conscious Foods, Coffee Mann, A&J’s Butchers, and more.

Fruit hampers, daffodil bouquets, and discounts have been gifted to shoppers and local businesses as a recognition of thanks and celebration.

Having started in August 1972, the Woodbourne Road store has grown from a fresh fruit and flowers shop, followed by a delicatessen, before becoming a staple everyday store providing foods from all

Robinsons on the Terrace is popular with the Polish community due to the extensive range of Polish cakes, dried meats, treats and daily essentials. Speciality items are also brought in seasonally to honour Eastern European traditions; a particular favourite with customers (and staff) is the delivery of over 400 delicious doughnuts for Tlusty Czwartek (Fat Thursday), this is celebrated across Poland on the last Thursday before Lent.

Mr Williamson added: ‘The aim of the store has been to provide a welcoming space that’s a key part of the community with friendly faces who are there to help, but also to pop in and say “hi” to. Its prime location has lent itself to this.’

Early owner and manager, Michael Horsthuis and Elaine Prince of Elaine’s Peel Florist respectively, started the process by turning the store into a blooming success by selling hundreds of bespoke bouquets a week due to being a popular choice for those visiting the former hospital nearby.

‘There would be hundreds of buckets, full of flowers lining the outside of the shop with it reaching down to where the chippy is today. The store would be filled with them too!’ said Mr Horsthuis, whose family set up Robinson’s Limited in 1886.

Flowers are still to this day a huge draw to the store, as they are hand-prepared by a team of florists at Cooil Road and dispatched to The Terrace store and Shoprite, along with all Island and UK delivery.

Elaine, who started managing the store in 1977, said: ‘The Terrace store was just the best. It was busy, vibrant and very much community-spirited where people shopped daily.’

Continuing this legacy, was Diane Burkitt, Linda Halsall, Dave Clarke, the late Sue Hills and current manager Neil Pitts. All of which had a significant impact as managers on the store’s transformation and on the community that has continuously passed through its door.

Today the team consists of 17 members with a number being college and high school students.

Store manager, Neil Pitts, said: ‘It’s been an honour to have been given the opportunity to manage The Terrace over the last four years.

‘There’s a great atmosphere here and it’s always good catching up with our regular customers.’

He added: ‘It’s been wonderful seeing all the changes the store has been through over the last few years, and I’m excited to see what else the next 50 years brings to The Terrace.’