DIY wasn't always the name of the game for Patrick Green Ltd, which has traded from Ingatestone, in the heart of Essex, since 1888. Once upon a time, back when the business traded two doors down on the high street, villagers would go to the store for their ironmongery, timber, haulage, building and contracting... and even undertaking needs!
Clearly, the eclectic mix of services worked for the business, which soon flourished enough to split into separate companies, with Patrick Green Ltd taking on the wholesale and retail supply of hardware, ironmongery and building materials.
The eponymous Patrick Green founded the original store, and it remained part of the Green family until 2001. Current owner Ian Miller tells DIY Week: “The store moved to its current location in 1964 and I joined in 1984 as an assistant manager.” Shortly after, the store’s manager fell ill and Mr Miller moved up into the role.
Twelve years ago, then-owner Mr Green told Mr Miller of his intentions to sell, and his hopes that he, Mr Miller, would buy.
Since then, the business has continued to hold its own in an increasingly tough climate, with highlights including being named finalist in the British Hardware Federation Awards' best British hardware store category in 2004.
In November, the store underwent a major change, bringing all its cookware forward to the front of the store and opening up its windows to present a brighter, more colourful greeting for customers.
"We do appeal more to women now," Mr Miller explains, "Ingatestone is a commuter village, and a lot of the people who are about during the day tend to be women."
It is this ability to adapt which has served the business well, with the changes already reaping good results. And more changes are in the mix which will see Patrick Green over-reaching several of its independent DIY store contemporaries by launching an e-commerce site in the next few weeks.
The business describes itself as 'the town sized store with village service,' and it's not just an allusion to its impressive 5,000 sq ft size. "I think we have a big advantage over larger multiples in terms of customer service," adds Mr Miller, "we have six members of staff and three have been with us over 25 years. The customers get to know them and trust them to know what they are talking about."
To mark 125 years, the business has included the milestone on all advertising, posters and promotions including free pens. And as for the next 125 years? "We just hope to carry on as we are, do what works and try our best to compete with the big boys!"