A DIY retailer has a new identity after becoming part of the Home Hardware group.
Parker & Son, in Effingham, which opened in 1997, and Fetcham Ironmongers, in Fetcham, re-launched as Home Hardware stores at the end of September.

Owners Barry and Cheryl Warren recently took over the Fetcham shop, now Fetcham Home Hardware, when Terry and Gill Hoare sold the business. Mr Warren has been extending the product ranges there to make it a one-stop shop for customers, like at the now-named Parker & Son Home Hardware.

Being only a few miles apart, the couple wanted to ensure there was a visual connection between their Surrey shops so customer loyalty could be shared between the businesses. By joining Home Hardware and opting for corporate branding, they were able to get the message across.

Mrs Warren said: "As well as free parking at both stores, customers often say we are like an Aladdin's Cave. That's because we never stop listening to our customers and try to accommodate ranges to keep their shopping local. We now have a successful pet food and wild bird food offering at Effingham thanks to our customers."

"We recently introduced Ecover and the HG range of cleaning products to both stores," added Mr Warren. "It's all about stocking the right goods for your community and with Home Hardware's single pack sizes, it allows us to buy in sensible quantities of a range to test the market."

The couple distributed around 3,000 handouts promoting the special deals for the launch event, which took place on September 20 and 21. They have also been delivering Home Hardware's autumn leaflet to every door in the area in recent weeks to keep up the promotion of the stores.