After 33 years, highly-respected local figure, Colin Mansfield, has retired, and Hassocks Hardware now has new owners. Colin has stayed local and intends to stay local. Manager, Sam Livings, explains: “He was 69 and always said he preferred to leave in good health. He wanted to enjoy his retirement after working six days a week for 33 years!”
Last year, at the start of the first lockdown, Tony - Colin’s assistant for 32 years and also a Hassocks man – retired after many years’ service. “Tony walked into the shop six months after Colin opened, got a job, and stayed 32 years,” Sam recalls, and adds, “it’s so nice to see them both in good health and being able to enjoy their retirement. They both deserve it after serving the community in such a dedicated way.”
The shop is now co-owned by Mark Deacon and Duncan Fisher. “Duncan has been a good friend to the shop and Colin for many years,” explains Sam. Duncan was a sales rep and after Colin mentioned the sale to him, Duncan knew he was interested and then approached Mark. They decided to become co-owners, forming Hassocks Hardware Limited. “They wanted to keep the same name as it has become cemented into village culture,” says Sam.
Sam has worked at the shop for about six years, alongside James Porter. “When I came here to work from a large chain, I learned all about the products and got to know the customers. Listening to the customers, the reputation of the store is high: we’ll have what you need,” says Sam, “and if we don’t, we’ll order it. With the suppliers Mark has brought in, many orders now come next day. It’s amazing.”
Mark owned a DIY shop in Heathfield for 25 years, having started there as a Saturday boy when he was 15 years old. He has extensive contacts within the industry. “We’ll find out what people are asking for, and play to what people want,” says Mark. The shop will now be stocking plants, soda stream canisters and there are plans for a small motoring section.
“We’ve been very well-received,” says Duncan, who lives in Eastbourne. “Everyone’s been very friendly, and our priority is to serve the village, providing a personal service to customers and high-quality goods at the right prices. Colin left the shop in a great position, and we want to keep it that way.”
The new team wish Colin and Tony well for their retirement. They are enjoying settling into the village. “It’s a wonderful village with lovely people,” says Mark. “People have remained loyal to the shop, hoping the reputation will remain the same, and it has, and it will do.”