Islington Tribune
Publications by New Journal Enterprises
spacer
  Home Archive Competition Jobs Tickets Accommodation Dating Contact us
spacer
spacer
spacer
spacer
spacer
spacer
spacer
Islington Tribune - by PETER GRUNER
Published: 11 September 2009
 
Why it’s curtains for a DIY and more family-run business

FOR years it was the first port of call for keen DIYers, builders, decorators and plumbers.
But the curtain has fallen on the family-run Goodwoods shop in Junction Road, Tufnell Park, and their branch in Swains Lane, Highgate.
Owner Jed Beardmore said a number of factors had contributed to the shop’s demise, which opened its doors in the early 1960s. Selling everything from
cut-to-order wood, all manner of ironmongery, paint and other household essentials, the shop was first opened by hardware seller Dave Banks.
Jed’s father George took it over in 1972.
Mr Beardmore said: “We simply ran out of money, like a lot of small shops. Our business was gradually nibbled away over the years.”
He said: “In the past three or four years there has been a lot of big problems with the trade side.
“They simply stopped coming: the builders depot in Friern Barnet is selling things cheaper than we could buy them.”
He also cited a rise in costs, with business rates doubling from £20,000 to £40,000 in three years.
Mr Beardmore took over the former Cavours hardware store in Swains Lane two years ago but it was not enough to stem the losses.
He added: “If every one who lived in a mile radius having building works done had insisted their builders came to us, we’d still be there.
“People want their local independent store when they need it, but they don’t realise the store needs them too.”
Now Jed is concentrating on his other passion – teaching young people the sport of fencing.
He runs a training club and hopes to produce some Olympic challengers for 2012.

Comment on this article.
(You must supply your full name and email address for your comment to be published)

Name:

Email:

Comment:


 

Your comments:

AS a small business we can sympathise with the difficulties that all small business face in the trade. All the best for the future.
Terry Coles Curtains and Blinds
 
spacer














spacer


Theatre Music
Arts & Events Attractions
spacer
 
 


  up