Sent from (not too) Coventry
By 2023, 73-year-old Arthur Harrison, had been running hardware shops for over 50 years, but decided it was the right time to hang up his overalls for good. He had been well-known on the ‘DIY circuit’, having first run shops in his home city of Coventry. ‘Arthur’s Food Store’ was his first shop in Stoney Stanton Road back in 1969, when he was just 18. He then moved to Hexworthy Avenue in Styvechale, before coming to Kenilworth.
Advert from Kenilworth Weekly News 1988
Arthur ran Buyrite in Kenilworth for more than three decades, but readily admitted he couldn’t remember the exact year he arrived. But he remarked that the time had come for him to retire, which had been forced upon him.
Shop to be Re-Developed by Landlords
The landlords have decided to re-develop the site into flats and a shop below. Over the years Buyrite had three premises: two in Talisman Square and the present one in Station Road.
Arthur said: “They have made up their minds, but I’m okay with that. I feel like it’s the right time for me to retire; I can’t say anything bad about the landlords because they have been good to me over the years”. He added: “It will be a sad day when I finally close because I really do like the customers here in Kenilworth. It’s a really nice place to have a shop.”
Like most businesses which are about to close, he expected a busy last few weeks before the shutters go-up, which was originally set for 25th March, but was extended by the landlords for a month. They even opened on Sundays to help get rid of the stock. He remarked: “Takings are already up now they know I’m going!”
Wilco Did Buyrite a Favour
The arrival of Wilkinson (later re-named Wilco, now B&M), opposite the shop in 2011, actually did him a great favour. If they haven’t got something, people would just walk across the road and see if he had it in stock. If not, Arthur would always say: “We’ll have it in by Monday”. Wilco, without doubt increased Buyrite’s footfall.
Kenilworth Vibes Goes ‘Viral’
Cyril Hobbins (The late) – A well-known Kenilworth resident wrote: “I shall pop in for ‘Four Candles’ before you shut the shop for good”
Ann Hunt – “So sad yesterday to see Arthur putting up ‘closing down’ posters in his window. He has been an absolute stalwart of the local retail landscape for so many years. I for one will miss him!”
David Ian Ball – “This is sad news, by far the best shop in Kenilworth!”
Bev Clifford – “The council moved him about due to ‘knocking’ down buildings but Arthur took it all in his stride and carried on. His humour and cheerful nature will be another great loss to Kenilworth. Good luck to retirement”
Melanie Lawrence – “That’s so sad to hear. I’ve lived in Kenilworth for over 30 years and he has always been there and always so friendly and cheerful. Will be so strange not to see him there”
Kath Shortley – “Happy retirement Arthur, you deserve it. You were a good neighbour to Alec and myself at Juteronomy. All the very best. You will be missed in the town”
Marianne Dawn – “Oh no! Love that shop and Arthur. In that Aladdin’s cave, he knows where everything is as well”
Michaela Franklin – “Sad news, grew up with his shop by my nan’s house in Styvechale. Was always nice to know, when he was in Kenilworth if you ever needed that ‘thing‘ you couldn’t get anywhere else”
James Fletcher – “The only person who can find a needle in a haystack”
Sare Scooby Tabor – “Ooh, Mr Arkwright we will miss the banter, you are a legend. Your two beautiful daughters have worked so god damn hard, credit to you”.
In the last few weeks before closure, Arthur was literally selling everything: the shelving and even the till had to go. By the last day of trading the shop was virtually empty but his daughter Louise indicated that any leftover stock would be donated to charity.
Shutters Go Up
Photo courtesy the late of Cyril Hobbins
Due to illness, Arthur was unable to attend the shop for the last couple of weeks of trading. His daughters took charge of the shop during this period. But he was able to attend on the final day of trading, Saturday 29th April 2023. As usual he had a big smile on his face!
One question some Kenilworth people always asked Arthur was: “How the devil do you do a stock-take, in a place like this?”
Arthur Harrison 1950-2023
Sadly, Arthur died on 4th August 2023, and his funeral took place at Cannon Hill Chapel, Canley Crematorium, on 21st August.