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Health food shop to take name from Holy tree...

The owner of a Bury St Edmunds health food shop is breathing new life into the business with a fresh name inspired by a sacred fig tree.

Andrea Hodder took over Butterworths in The Traverse six months ago and this week re-opens the shop under its new name The Bodhi Tree. The name comes from the tree where Buddha attained enlightenment, which is recognised by its heart shaped leaves.

The official opening of the store was earlier today (Friday October 21) by the Borough Mayor, Councillor Julia Wakelam.

Andrea said: “Butterworths was a much loved business in the town and I thought long and hard about changing from a well-established name, but there is another, previously connected, local business using that name and I thought it was time to put my own mark on the shop. It’s appropriate at a time of great renewal here in The Traverse which is now coming out of the shadow of the Cupola House fire of 2012 – so what better time to breathe new life into the shop.

“However I’d like to reassure customers that the healthy, organic and natural foods and products they’ve always been able to find here will remain along with some new ranges that were very popular at my previous health store in Cumbria.”

The interior has been rearranged to give what Andrea describes as a more user-friendly layout and now includes a specific gluten-free section.

Andrea has moved to Bury from the North of England. She commented: “I was looking around for a new business when Butterworths came up for sale. I’d never visited Bury St Edmunds before but as soon as I came to look around, I loved it. Everyone here is so friendly and I haven’t regretted the move at all.”

Mark Cordell, the Chief Executive of the Business Improvement District Ourburystedmunds, welcomed the shop’s new look. He said: “This is more good news for The Traverse and it’s wonderful to see that Andrea is supporting local suppliers alongside Fair Trade and ethical products. I wish The Bodhi Tree every success.”

The Bodhi Tree can be found at 9 The Traverse. Its opening hours are 9am to 5.30pm Monday to Saturday.