Owner of Natural Choice in Darwen to retire after 47 years

David Clark opened Natural Choice, in Darwen Market, in 1977. The business moved to Bridge Street in 1978, selling a range of health supplements and natural foods.

David is set to retire at the end of the year when he turns 80. He said it was a difficult decision to make.

He said: “I really will miss it. It’s such an amazing feeling to help people discover [products and items] that make them feel better – I will miss it enormously but one can’t go on forever.

“I like the shop so much and I will miss everyone in Darwen. Leaving it will be like cutting off my leg.”

According to David, the businesses has faced many challenges over the decades, including competition from pharmaceutical companies.

He said: “We have faced many challenges over those decades. The main one has been the restrictions to the trade from pharmaceutical industry. 

David Clark opened Natural Choice, in Darwen, in 1977 (Image: David Clark)

“We have had such wonderful customers over the years. When we first started people [used] natural remedies more. They are not as well-known now.”

David said customers were saddened to hear about his retirement.

“When I told customers and some said they will really miss the shop, saying there is nothing like it in the area,” he said.

“I hope they find somewhere else, probably online, to buy the products when I leave. Even some doctors direct some patients to the shop. It’s the end of an era.

“There are big chain companies but I feel like you don’t get the same information and knowledge [independent stores do] which is hard to replace.”

David left his career as a metallurgist, aged 33, in order to start the business. He hopes someone will come forward to take over the shop before he calls it a day.

Natural Choice, in Darwen (Image: David Clark)

He said: “I left my profession as a metallurgist that I was trained in due to a change in circumstances.

“Within a week I opened a health food store in Darwen Market, I went to Darwen and found there were no health food stores. It turned out to be a great opportunity.

“I will so miss everyone in Darwen. I am passionate about health foods and natural supplements and hope to continue buying them for the rest of my life

“We hope someone will be interested in taking over the business… if not we will probably end up selling the building off.  I am so keen for someone to carry the business on that I will train them.”

Anyone interested in taking over the business can email: susan_dave@hotmail.co.uk, or call the shop on 01254 773311.