Handyman DIY shop on First Avenue

grumpystaffordguy

Well-Known Forumite
Thought this little business deserved a mention on here. Its easy to forget sometimes we have these little gems in town.

Cracking little shop that carries the vast majority of things you might want for DIY. The difference between this shop and a big store like Wickes is that the guy's that work there really do know tools and DIY. So they can supply you with the exact tool for the job and even explain how to do it.
The other really great thing is that they can cut wood and make things to order. This is really useful and I have used them several times for one off cuts of wood. Not only did this save me cutting the wood, but they could do the edges and it was no more expensive than buying the wood from a big chain store.
So its a perfect little shop for hardened DIYers and novices alike.

I should point out I am not related to or mates with the people that own the shop. Just thought they do such a good job and times are hard for small businesses at the moment.

The only real downside is that they are not open on a Sunday like the DIY chain stores and obviously they dont have the special offers like the big stores do to lure you in. Having said that they did have white panelled doors for a tenner each last time I went in which is good.
 

Ecker

Well-Known Forumite
grumpystaffordguy said:
Thought this little business deserved a mention on here. Its easy to forget sometimes we have these little gems in town.

Cracking little shop that carries the vast majority of things you might want for DIY. The difference between this shop and a big store like Wickes is that the guy's that work there really do know tools and DIY. So they can supply you with the exact tool for the job and even explain how to do it.
The other really great thing is that they can cut wood and make things to order. This is really useful and I have used them several times for one off cuts of wood. Not only did this save me cutting the wood, but they could do the edges and it was no more expensive than buying the wood from a big chain store.
So its a perfect little shop for hardened DIYers and novices alike.

I should point out I am not related to or mates with the people that own the shop. Just thought they do such a good job and times are hard for small businesses at the moment.

The only real downside is that they are not open on a Sunday like the DIY chain stores and obviously they dont have the special offers like the big stores do to lure you in. Having said that they did have white panelled doors for a tenner each last time I went in which is good.
Many thanks for that GrumpyS. It is very pleasing to hear of an independent trader getting good reviews, I will certainly use them rather than catch 2 buses to get to B&Q or
line the pockets of the Sainsbury family at Homebase.
 

Glam

Mad Cat Woman
I remember that shop when it were the Co-op. It stood empty for a while if my memory is right. And i'm pretty sure his name is Paul,might be wrong,I usually am. Must've been there about 18-20yrs??
 

shoes

Well-Known Forumite
We've used them in the past (my parents and I on separate occasions) and haven't a bad word to say. Excellent service and they carry a decent range of everything you need.
 

70-plus

Well-Known Forumite
Really good shop - owner is Paul with his mum. They will do anything for you, and give advice and sell small items. No job seems to be too much trouble - I have used them quite often and they deserve support.
 

proactive

Enjoying a drop of red.
Didn't know of this shop so thanks for the heads up :)

It's always a good thing to big up good local businesses.
 

Stevieb

Well-Known Forumite
I have used them in the past,they were very helpful in cutting some plywood that i brought and also delivered them.
 

grumpystaffordguy

Well-Known Forumite
I'm dead chuffed to read that other people feel the same about this shop. I dont want it going under!

They have been there about 20 years. It was the Co-op before and they still have the tiles and butchers signs etc on the wall.
 

speak65

Well-Known Forumite
Will definitely give them a try next time I am in need - I just automatically head for B+Q but I would prefer to favour an independent.
Thanks for reminding us that they were there.
 
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