A newsagents and convenience store which has witnessed many changes over its four decades in operation is to be modernised as new owners prepare to take it on.
Parrys in Boxmoor, Hemel Hempstead, has been running for more than 40 years but has recently issued a newsletter to neighbours notifying them that change is coming again.
Current owner Richard Davies said: “Over the past 40 plus years there have been many changes in the village and this shop.
“The first change, from pounds and shillings to decimal in 1971 was not of our making, but sometimes I think we still get the blame.”
The St John’s Road shop begun its long-standing reputation by selling sewing patterns, pipes and snuff by the quarter ounce, as well as Ladybird books, tap washers, Airfix kits, jam pot covers and candles by the dozen during its three-day week.
It also, as Richard recalls, boasted Basildon Bond stationery, Parker fountain pens and Colibri lighters among its varied range of stock.
Abandoning old ledgers for a computerised system back in the mid 1980s, the family business came to add general convenience to its repertoire by selling groceries, milk and bread from 2003.
There was also a Parrys store in Bennetts End, which has since closed down.
The business will continue in Boxmoor as a convenience store and newsagents under new owners, who have plans to modernise the store and offer an expanded range of products.
The leaflet, posted to loyal customers living nearby, said: “Sometimes people bring their grandchildren to buy sweets and they ask if we remember when they had a paper round. We are now moving on to the idleness of retirement.
“We will miss the many friends we have made, both old and new. Gerald, Brenda, Richard, Jane and colleagues thank you for your custom and offer you and your family good wishes for the future.”