Charlie’s Fruit Market closes after more than 20 years in operation

Customers have been left shocked and saddened to discover an iconic Brisbane fruit and vegetable store with an online following in the tens of thousands has mysteriously closed after more than 20 years of trade.

An iconic Brisbane fruit and vegetable store with an online following in the tens of thousands has mysteriously closed after more than 20 years of trade.

Charlie’s Fruit Market at Everton Park, famed for its late trading hours, has suddenly closed leaving customers shocked and saddened.

“Charlies (sic) market is closed. Thanks for all your support, best wishes in 2024,” a sign on the front of the building read.

The market’s phone number rings out while its website is in maintenance mode.

The business had been trading through several owners since the early 2000 and had amassed an online following in the tens of thousands.

The owner of the business and building complex Charlie Scuderi declined to comment on the circumstances surrounding the closure.

Mr Scuderi is understood to have taken over the business about three years ago and refurbished the market into a “modern-day health hub” that complemented other companies in the complex.

Charlie's Fruit Market in 2018, prior to undergoing a major refurbishment.

Staff at neighbouring businesses to the fruit market said they had been left puzzled by the sudden closure and said it was sad it had to close.

Former customers also expressed disappointment on the fruit market’s closure on Facebook.

“The end of a local institution,” one wrote. “OMG no,” wrote another.

It comes amid warnings that the retail sector will face increasing pressure this year with the full impact of “aggressive” interest rate rises flush through Queensland’s economy.

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