In 1857, Frederick Porritt occupied 231 Bridge Road, Richmond from a shop and a tent. He was a fruiterer.  We suspect he grew fruit and vegetables and sold them from his site.  How things have changed. 

Fredericks moved in 2019 to a few doors down the street, now situated 247-249 Bridge Road, Richmond; formally also a bank.

Today the might of Coles and Woolworths control the food market. They manipulate the farmers and suppliers and put small businesses out of business for the sake of their corporate greed.

I wonder if Mr Porritt used chemicals and large long term refrigeration to serve his customers. We are confident he did not.

The site was then used by the National Bank of Australasia. The façade is protected by Heritage Victoria.

Prior to the current re-development which includes the Abacus residential apartments, the store was a clothing store.

In 2014 it's back to the future and the site will be returned to a fine grocer, supporting Australian only products in an environmentally friendly store. 

Thank you, Mr Frederick Porritt. Your name has been honoured in Bridge Road some 157 years since you occupied the site. 

Fredericks Richmond.

Dear valued customers,
October 2024
It is with heavy hearts and a profound sense of gratitude that we announce the closing down of Fredericks Local Grocer after nine incredible years. Over the years, we have had the privilege of serving our wonderful community, and we cannot express enough how grateful we are for your unwavering support.

The decision to close our doors has not been an easy one, as we have faced numerous challenges along the way. Rising costs, driven by economic factors beyond our control, have made it increasingly difficult to maintain the quality and affordability you have come to expect from us. Despite our best efforts to adapt, the burden has become too great.

Moreover, the impact of government policies, theft, drug use, resulting in high levels of shop lifting has also taken a toll on our small business. We have always strived to be a place of trust and warmth, and these unfortunate incidents have tested our resilience.

Throughout all these hardships, you, our loyal customers, have been the beacon of hope and support. Your continued patronage, kind words, and smiles have kept us going even during the toughest times. Your sense of community and camaraderie have been the heart and soul of Fredericks Local Grocer.

As we prepare to close our doors, we want to express our deepest gratitude to each and every one of you. You have not just been customers; you have become a part of our extended family. The memories we've created together will forever hold a special place in our hearts.

While this chapter may be closing, we hope that the spirit of Fredericks Local Grocer will live on in the memories we've shared. We will cherish these moments forever. Though we may part ways as a store, we hope that you will continue to support local businesses, as your unwavering support can truly make a difference.

Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for being an essential part of this journey. We will miss you all greatly, and we sincerely hope our paths cross again someday.

With heartfelt appreciation,

The Fredericks Local Grocer Team

February 2024

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*Actual Brass plauge attached to our original address. Infact a trip along Bridge Road you will find a number of shops with history attached.