Sent from (not too) Coventry
Arthur Harrison, now 73 year-old, has run hardware shops for over 50 years has decided to hang up his overalls for good. Arthur has been well known on the DIY circuit, having run shops in his home city of Coventry, and a lot longer here in Kenilworth. He has run Buyrite in Kenilworth for over three decades, but he says he cannot actually remember the year he started (it was 1991 we are reliably informed) but says the time has come for him to retire, which has been forced upon him.
Shop to be Re-developed by Landlords
The landlords are apparently going to re-develop the site into flats and a shop below. Over the years Buyrite has had three premises, two in Talisman Square and the present one in Station Road.
“They have made up their minds, but I’m okay with that. I feel like it’s the right time for me to retire”. Arthur said he has decided to move on and so it’s come at just the right time for him. “I can’t say anything bad about the landlords because they have been good to me over the years I’ve been here”.
“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 expects 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. “Takings are already up now they know I’m going!” he laughed.
He added, saying he had been really well supported by people of Kenilworth. Everyone, seemed to like me.
‘Arthur’s Food Store’, was his first shop in Stoney Stanton Road back in 1969. He then moved to Hexworthy Avenue in Styvechale, before coming to Kenilworth 30 odd-years ago.
Wilco Did Buyrite a Favour
The arrival of Wilkinson’s (now Wilco) dead opposite in 2011, actually helped his shop’s fortunes. It did him a great favour. If Wilco 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.
His wife Sue, four children and one grandchild will now be able to see more of him now he’s in retirement. The people of Kenilworth, however, reacted with sadness to news of the shop’s closure.
Kenilworth Vibes Goes ‘Viral’
Cyril Hobbins, 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, even the shelving and 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
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!
Photo courtesy of Cyril Hobbins
Buyrite is not the only business closing in the town. Magenta Wallpapers, HSBC, Top Drawer, Kenilworth Carpets, Western Carpets and Estate Agents, Sheldon-Bosley-Knight have all gone. Sylvesters the Jewellers, in Talisman Square will also be going later this year.
How many more will close? But wait, we might be in luck – Wetherspoons are on their way……..
May 2023
Sadly, Arthur died on 4th August 2023, and his funeral took place at Cannon Hill Chapel, Canley Crematorium on 21st August.