THE owner of a long-established furniture store in Northumberland has said they are still open as usual after placing the business on the market.
In October, the Bed and Chair Centre on Prudhoe's Front Street was put up for sale for £80,000 on a long-term lease. Its owner, William Thompson, 63, cited retirement as the reason for the sale.
An agent from Gilmore Estates, the marketers of the sale, described the "thriving" establishment, which has been open since 2011, as being "well regarded" in the community and as a "good repeat business".
At the time, the business was marketed as being sold as a "growing concern", with William stating he was happy to stay on a part-time basis for one or two years.
Now, six months on, the owner wants to dispel confusion about the sale of the furniture store, reinforcing that they are "still open for business" and will remain so after a suitable buyer is found.
"The business is still for sale, and I'm hoping it will go through sooner rather than later," William said.
"Whoever buys the business, I'm sure they'll want me to stay, which I'm prepared to do for another year or two, helping out two or three days a week."
William is proud to say he's built up a "respectable business" alongside his colleague Simon, which has made him "a lot of money" and "done well" for him.
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"Simon and I, we're well respected and well liked by customers from Carlisle to Wardley and Gateshead and even Cambridgeshire," he said.
"So whoever buys the shop will be getting a well-respected shop that does really well."
The furniture specialist added that "it would definitely help" if a prospective buyer has experience working in the industry, but that "it's not necessary", as whoever takes over can get training from him or Simon.
William said, "It would definitely be an advantage if the buyer has sales experience in selling furniture, but it's not the be-all and end-all if they haven't."
The Bed and Chair Centre is now up for sale for £40,000, with its stock expected to fetch an additional £25,000-£35,000. Find out more about the business and the listing via: https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/167419340#/?channel=COM_BUY
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