The closure of a Spalding shop at the beginning of May will mark the end of an era and the beginning of a new one.
Electrical retailer Paul Taylors DJC Ltd in Winsover Road will close on May 2 when owner David Carroll calls it a day.
He has sold the business to Hughes Electricals, who will open their new shop in Sheepmarket, in the unit below the Gurkha Oven restaurant, on May 3.
The Paul Taylor name, which has become known for its same-day service, will live on for a short time and be displayed inside Hughes’ new shop, which is currently undergoing a massive refit.
They will continue to supply a wide range of appliances, big and small, as well as TVs – to buy or rent.
The three staff from Paul Taylor’s – Graham, Luke and Alison – will also transfer to Hughes and continue to provide a friendly welcome and sound help and advice to customers.
David has worked at Paul Taylor’s since 1982, when he was employed as shop manager.
He had previously worked for Perkins Engines in Peterborough for a short while , but before that spent 11 years at Curry’s in the days when it sold not only electrical appliances but also bikes.
He then had the opportunity to buy Paul Taylor’s in 1994, and in his time there has seen huge technological advances.
But he has now decided it’s time to say goodbye to hundreds of loyal customers as he looks forward to “living the good life”.
In his retirement he is hoping to take on a smallholding with his partner Jane, where they are hoping to have goats, chickens and a donkey.
He’s also hoping to find somewhere big enough to store his large collection of radios, which he began when he was a teenager and sparked his interest in electricals.
He said: “I will be sad to see the shop go as it’s been a huge part of my life for a long time .
“But I was a bit poorly earlier in the year and although I’m OK now it made me re-evaluate and I’m looking forward to doing something a bit different.”
However, David is not leaving retail altogether, as he will continue to run the mobility shop next to Paul Taylor’s, which will be open from 10am to 3pm Monday to Friday.
He said: “I would just like to say a big thank you to all the lovely customers who I have met and have supported me over the years.
“I hope I will see as many as possible at the retirement sale to say goodbye.”