Fifty-five years ago Italian migrant Antonio Napoli opened his fruit shop on Ferguson Street, Williamstown beginning the long legacy of trading.
Years later, in 1994 Napoli’s Quality Fruit Market opened its new doors down the road, welcoming Williamstown residents to the new space.
Now after years of hard work and dedication, co-owner Sharon Napoli said the family are ready to rest.
“It has been a true family business all these years, four brothers and their wives have all worked hard and been involved,” said Sharon with her sister-in-laws also helping in the background.
“All our children have come and learnt the ropes and done their bit working here and some still are.”
Joe and his wife Gina, Vic and his wife Sharon, Frank and his wife Anna along with Ange have all enjoyed the years of trading, highlighting the many friends made along the way.
“We have made a lot of friends, our customers have become like an extended family,” Sharon said.
“Customers have had kids and those children have ended up working for us as a part time job.
“It’s a real community thing, we have employed a lot of the local children.”
Although the Napoli’s are sad to say goodbye, they feel they have earned a hard earned rest.
“We are all overwhelmed and emotional , we are sad and happy,” Sharon said.
“We are all just going to recuperate and take it from there.
“We want to thank everybody for all these years, we wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the customers.”
Jennifer Pittorino
