Co-op will take over Bradford on Avon's Mace store (From Wiltshire Times)

Co-op will take over Bradford on Avon's Mace store

2:00pm Friday 6th November 2009 in News

A popular shopkeeper from Bradford on Avon has sold his store after deciding to retire after 60 years.

The Mace foodstore in Winsley Road will retain its current staff and post office when the Southern Co-Operative take over on November 18.

Shopkeeper George Stone, 78, and his wife Joan, 76, are retiring to Winsley, six decades after Mr Stone built the 3,000 sq ft shop in 1949.

He said: “After 60 years it is long enough. I don’t know what I’m going to do with my retirement yet.

“I am pleased that the Co-op will be acquiring the store as I feel that they are best placed to continue to serve the local community.

“This was a difficult decision and we put the interest of our employees at the top of agenda during discussions.”

The popular shop includes a bakery, a butcher, a post office and an off-licence and offers video rentals.

In 2007 Mr Stone quashed rumours that the shop was to be taken over by Tesco, saying at the time that he wasn’t quite ready for retirement.