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End of an era for Sparkes DIY
A HARDWARE store owner has come to the aid of a fellow retailer by purchasing its surplus stock.
Sparkes DIY and Garden Centre in Oliver's Battery closed today (Wednesday, September 17) after 31 years in business.
The site in Oliver's Battery Road South is in line for redevelopment, and the store, which is on a leasehold, is shutting as a result.
It tried to sell as much stock as possible, but thousands of pounds' worth remained unsold.
Toby Roberts, owner of D&G Hardware, has now agreed to buy the surplus goods. He said they were similar to those sold in his two stores at St George's Street, Winchester, and the Fryern Arcade in Chandler's Ford.
Mr Roberts said: "They've quite often referred customers to us, and we've referred customers to Sparkes as well, and we carry a lot of similar stock.
"We'll certainly be delighted to serve the customers who used to go to Sparkes in Oliver's Battery, and we will serve them in the same independent way that has always been so popular."
Dennis and Betty Sparkes opened the DIY and garden centre in Oliver's Battery as an offshoot from Mr Sparkes' painting and decorating business.
In recent years, their son, Chris, has assisted in running the store. While his parents are facing retirement, he plans to stay in retailing by opening a fishing equipment shop called Margin Tackle. He is now looking for premises in Winchester.
He said: "It's really good that D&G Hardware has bought up our stock, as it would have been a big hassle to get rid of it. They've helped us out a great deal."
12:14pm Wednesday 17th September 2008
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CommentPosted by: Clive, Southampton on 2:39pm Wed 17 Sep 08
It's nice to see someone give a helping hand for a change. There is so little compassion in this dog eat dog world.
It's nice to see someone give a helping hand for a change. There is so little compassion in this dog eat dog world.
Posted by: dan and candy, winchester on 3:03pm Sat 4 Oct 08
The last two decades have been full of moments when Mr and Mrs Sparkes have been there in Olivers Battery to provide DIY bits and bobs in the middle of a job! We have always used their shop and phoned them ahead of time to check what they had in stock. They are part of the identity of Winchester that is slowly being pushed out. They would have kept going if they could have afforded the rent.
Thank you so much Mr and Mrs Sparkes. Olivers Battery will be a bit empty now that you have had to leave.
The last two decades have been full of moments when Mr and Mrs Sparkes have been there in Olivers Battery to provide DIY bits and bobs in the middle of a job! We have always used their shop and phoned them ahead of time to check what they had in stock. They are part of the identity of Winchester that is slowly being pushed out. They would have kept going if they could have afforded the rent.
Thank you so much Mr and Mrs Sparkes. Olivers Battery will be a bit empty now that you have had to leave.
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