DIYWEEK.net

Independent Eastbourne-based DIY, pet and garden store The Handyman has relocated 10 miles to Hailsham, bringing to a close three years of careful planning and negotiation.
The business had lived in Hampden Park near Eastbourne for more than 40 years, and the decision was made to relocate following pressure on nearby parking areas, insufficient rent decreases and the autumn 2012 opening of a nearby superstore.

Owner Peter Sparks remarked that other shop landlords had let nearby properties to businesses which "downgraded the retail pull of the area" and added: "there seemed little reason to stay."

The new space in Hailsham required extensive work, but finally opened in May 2012, offering a range of DIY, pet, gardening, household and cookware goods as well as a key-cutting service and locally-grown bedding and pot plants. Mr Sparks also bought an adjacent smaller shop, which he is now using for storage.

Customers of Hailsham have praised the store, calling it an "Aladdin's Cave" and just what the area needs.

Mr Sparks added: "We still have the work of updating the shop to current requirements, which means putting in a new ceiling, flooring, all internal walls, re-wiring, re-plumbing and providing new toilet areas, all of which will cost many thousands of pounds. It has been really hard work but well worth it."