A revamped hardware store reopened its doors on Friday, December 9 – much to the delight of locals.
Carlton Hardware is based on Carlton Hill and the owners recently demolished the old store, that had housed the business for 37 years, to make way for a new premises that now provides more space for products and services that will delight locals.
The business was first opened up back in the eighties by Mustafa Ali, known locally as ‘Steve’ and is now run with the support from family members Muza, Hussein, Ammar and Mo.
An opening event was held on Friday and attended by Mayor of Gedling Peter Barnes and Gedling MP Tom Randall who were invited to cut the ribbon and officially open the new store.
Mayor of Gedling Peter Barnes said: “It’s a privilege to be to open this wonderful store and we wish them well for the future because it’s needed and the community will support it. 37 years – that is fantastic.
Gedling MP Tom Randall said: ” A big congratulations to Steve and what he’s done here, I mean, we’ve seen this building he’s built it up. Look at all the people here for the opening; they have all got smiles on their faces and ready to do some shopping. I wish Steve the best of luck.”
Ammar Ali is one of the family members who runs the business and he told Gedling Eye that plans for a new building have been in the pipeline for the last few years.
“Many things have stopped us rebuilding the store over the past few years, whether it be manpower, finances or the financial climate, but we decided to just bite the bullet, pull our sleeves up and get the new building done, he said.
“We now have an upstairs which is being used for storage and have plans to turn the space into three apartments – but at the current time the shop is our main concern.
Business founder Mustafa ‘Steve’ Ali added: “We’re part of the community and part of the furniture on Carlton Hill. We’re not just here to make money; we want to help the locals and solve their problems’. ‘
love this place, can always find those quirky items not available in the mass market shops, they literally do everything they can to help…..congrats on the new shop!….will visit soon.