NEWS Drews The Ironmongers to close after 87 years The much-loved run business, Drews


family- The


Ironmongers, which has operated in Reading for nearly nine decades, will cease trading after Christmas, with 26 people set to lose their jobs. Drews


made the


announcement on Facebook, stating that the business was no longer viable due to rising costs and the increasing dominance of online traders.


The full statement posted on social media read: “We are sad to tell you that we will be closing the store after Christmas. We have traded in Reading for 87 years but


unfortunately the


generated a big reaction online, with more than 400 comments from people expressing their sadness and disappointment at news of the store’s imminent closure, calling it “the best shop in Reading” and praising staff for “going the extra mile to help”. Some


conveyed and


costs of running a “bricks and mortar” retail store in a world now dominated by internet merchants mean that it is no longer a viable business. We are closing with the loss of 26 jobs.” A closing down sale is


currently underway, with 25% off goods across the shop in order to clear stock. The business added that it will continue to deliver its “non-stock ‘special order’ service as usual”. The announcement has


adding that the “internet can never deliver the kind of knowledge


service” that


Drews offered its customers. One comment said: “What a


great loss. A wonderful place with knowledgeable people manning the counters. Until the tax laws are changed this kind of shop will disappear.”


Developers pull out of Woodcote Green sale


As bids roll in for the Wyevale estate,


rumours within the


garden industry suggest that developers who had agreed to buy the Woodcote Green site a few weeks ago in order to build houses have now pulled out of the deal. According to one source, the developer in question pulled the plug on its bid when it discovered it would be unable to build on the land and that the


business would have to be sold as a going concern.


Wyevale would not confirm the news but issued a statement to DIY Week, which read: “While we’re not able to discuss specific centres, we can confirm that we have received a wide range of competitive bids for individual garden centres, groups of garden centres and the business as a whole, as part of the ongoing sales process. We are continuing


to evaluate these bids and to hold positive discussions with group buyers, regional operators and local entrepreneurs.” Woodcote Green


Garden


Centre, which was bought by Wyevale in January 2016, is up for sale with Christie & Co, with its on-site nursery being offered separately via Quinton Edwards. Offers


for the freehold


garden centre business, which is located on Woodmansterne


John Lewis steps up customer service with new Cheltenham


The new pilot store from John Lewis will offer new services to enhance the shopper experience - from private after- hour shopping evenings, to personal shopping and home design consultations - whilst store staff has even had theatre training to provide the optimum customer service.


John Lewis has invested


around £23million in building the 115,000sq ft shop – one of 15 pilot shops as part of an initiative launched by the retailer earlier this year that sees it explore new ideas and concepts across a national spread of selected shops. The Cheltenham store carries 49,000 lines and employs more


Independent DIY store, GJ’s announces expansion


After 28 years of business, GJ’s has fought back against the high-street demise by carrying out an expansion plan – almost tripling its original size. The formula of great customer service, discounted prices and an extended product offering, the company said, has enabled them to grow a large customer following. Store owner, Rebecca Nichols-Green commented: “It’s been a long road from concept to completion, but we are finally there! The aim all along has been


www.diyweek.net


to create a unique shopping experience for anyone interested in DIY, tools, automotive and home and garden without losing our basic formula of amazing value with a smile. Stay a while, enjoy browsing and let us help you enjoy real shopping again. We are proud of what we have done, proud to be in Alfreton and proud to be shopkeepers.” The expansion started in


March this year and the store owner has since been working closely with their suppliers to make the most of the new extension.


than 300 John Lewis partners - all of whom have had bespoke ‘theatre training’ by the National Theatre,


“to help them deliver


outstanding customer service”, says the retailer.


John Lewis has unveiled three new experiences for customers to enjoy exclusively at the new Cheltenham shop, including the


ability


to book an after-hours private shopping session for groups or individuals. The service carries a minimum spend of £10,000. The retailer is also making first foray into a full service


its


Lane in Wallington, Surrey, are being invited in the region of £35million. The centre sits on a 21.33acre site with car parking for 660 cars. It was offered for sale in May, when Wyevale Garden Centres put up its 145 garden centre network. Meanwhile, Woodcote Green’s wholesale nursery business is being sold separately via Quinton Edwards. The property, which sits immediately to the front of


the garden centre business, occupies a 1.7-acre site and comprises around 44,000sq ft of glasshouse space and further ancillary buildings.


personal shopping experience


with what it called The Shopping List. Customers simply book an appointment, bring along a list of what they’re looking for and can then choose from having personal expert assistance and advice whilst they shop, or sit back and enjoy a glass of fizz whilst a John Lewis Partner does all the hard work for them. The service is free of charge with no minimum spend.


In total, the new store, which opened Thursday, October 18, will offer more than 20 different services.


Jewson Wokingham relocates to new unit


Increased customer demand has seen the builders’ merchant move its Wokingham branch from Barkham Road to a new-build 2,936sq m site on Molly Millars Lane.


The new branch also has better access, meaning it can handle more customer deliveries and collections. Jewson Wokingham branch manager, Jamie Charman said: “We understand that our customers need instant access to a wide range of products, so moving to a larger site means we can provide that service to make their lives easier. We’ve been able to boost our stocks across a number of key ranges including insulation, drylining, bricks and timber.” The relocation has also created two new jobs, with scope for even more roles to be added in the coming months. The launch was celebrated with an event at the new location


frustration,


Another added: “You guys will be greatly missed by the tradesmen and people of Reading. Truly a one off shop with excellent staff. Wishing you all the best for the future.” Drews The Ironmongers was established in the town in 1931 and is run by the Drew family; David and Doreen, and sons Nic and Chris. The independent business offers a range of tools, workwear, ironmongery, security products, fixings and plumbing goods to both trade and retail customers. It also had strong ties with its local community, sponsoring the annual Englefield 10km charity race event.


late last month, and featured live product demonstrations, exclusive giveaways.


offers and free 26 OCTOBER 2018 DIY WEEK 5


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