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New hardware store opens in old premises filling gap and brightening village street

New hardware store opens in old premises filling gap and brightening village street

A new family hardware store has started trading in the heart of Spondon, Derby, today (Saturday December 12) in premises closed for eight years.

Marsden Brothers have taken a lease on a former building society branch in Sitwell Street that has been empty since it shut in 2012.

It will be run by Gary and Carl Marsden along with their sister Dawn Frisby.

Although a new company, there is a wealth of experience. Carl is a management consultant and used to be stock manager at the former B&Q in Spondon. Gary is a key account manager for a paint company and was a departmental manager at four B&Q stores. Dawn is a school business officer.

Carl said:

“When B&Q in Spondon closed Gary and I had the idea we would like to open our own hardware store in Spondon. But the business plan was on the back burner for some time until these premises became available.

“We came to view earlier this year and realised that they were ideal both in size and location for what we wanted.”

Since receiving the keys on November 13 they have been busy renovating the premises – demolishing office partition walls, doing repairs, painting and fitting out. Other family members have helped, with trades persons employed for certain works.

A much-loved hardware shop in the village centre closed two years ago, and Gary said:

“We are keen to fill a much-needed gap in the market.”

As well as being on the main thoroughfare the shop is close to the village hall and library free car park.

It stocks some 6,500 lines – general hardware items, paint and decorating materials, household goods, gardening tools and sundries, pet toys and treats. There are display samples in an interior design area that can be ordered and a noticeboard for local tradespeople.

Gary says the company motto is 'service like it used to be'. This will include free delivery for three miles in a new eco-friendly electric van for orders over a certain value. The shop will open seven days a week – from 6.30am-6.30 pm Monday to Saturday, and 9am-5pm Sunday.

Carl will be full-time, with Gary helping, and Dawn will be assisting particularly with admin and human resources as they hope to offer part-time roles. They are using the Government's Kickstart scheme to train two young unemployed people on universal credit for six months.

The company has joined Spondon Traders Association and hopes to take part in village activities.

“We hope to be part of the beating heart of Spondon,” said Dawn who, like Gary, lives in Spondon. 

Carl will be moving into one of the two apartments above the shop being refurbished.

Such is their community spirit that the brothers repaired a noticeboard outside the village hall after it was vandalised.

Reg Pugh, chair of Spondon Community Association, welcomed the new business.

“It fills a need and brings prominent premises back into good use.”

Pictture credit: Steve Bond Images


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