A Burnham-On-Sea town centre shop selling tools and machinery which was due to shut down this week has been saved at the 11th hour by a loyal customer.
Burnham-On-Sea.com recently reported here that IM Tools in Regent Street was due to close on September 30th after five years of business.
But loyal customer Martin Hallier has come to the rescue and told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “I went in to buy a packet of screws last week, and came out having bought the whole business!”
“I have been a customer there for over four years and love the place – it’s such a useful shop and it just can’t close.”
“Small shops like this are the lifeblood of towns and villages up and down the country.”
“I certainly didn’t go in with the intention of buying the place, but I got talking with Ian, the current owner, and when he said he was closing this week, I asked him how much he’d consider selling the business for.”
“We shook hands on a deal and I take over the shop next Monday, meaning that there will be no interruption to trade.”
Martin, who lives in Burnham-On-Sea, previously worked in the building trade so says he knows the business well, albeit from the other side of the shop counter.
He adds: “I’m really looking forward to taking the shop on and hope to expand the product range and grow the business. I look forward to meeting customers like me who love small shops like this.”
Outgoing owner Ian Everett-Giles, who is taking on a new role in Bristol, will be helping Martin on a consultancy basis.
