Weaverham Hardware marks 35 years as village's 'one-stop-shop'

Weaverham Hardware in Lime Avenue was opened in 1989 by Barry Starnes, and has been a cornerstone of village life ever since.

The business is flourishing selling items including car accessories, household goods, DIY, gardening, plumbing, bottled gas, electrical and small appliances such as kettles, irons and toasters, and has even had to expand into the former cake shop next door.

It also sells pet food and bird food, and offers services include key cutting and fitting watch batteries.

Barry officially retired at the end of 2022, leaving the business in the capable hands of his daughter and son-in-law, Emma and Graham Egerton.

On Saturday, August 10, the shop is throwing a 35th anniversary bash, with invited guests including Radio Northwich, and fundraisers from St Luke’s Hospice, who’ll be running a raffle with prizes donated by the shop’s suppliers.

We value the community, and in return, they value us (Image: Graham Egerton)

Graham, who’s been involved with the business for 12 years now, said: “We’ve managed to hang on to our customers over the years, and we think this is something worth celebrating.

"They say we're an Aladdin's cave, and a one-stop-shop for all their household needs.

“Radio Northwich is doing a show from outside the shop when they’ll be playing songs from 1989 right up to the present day.

“Some of the raffle prizes are great, with all funds raised going to St Luke’s. We support them quite a lot.

"We’ll be giving away some nice freebies too.

“It’s still the same family as always, but the next generation has taken over now.”

“We’ve been around such a long time we’ve become a bit of an institution in the village.

“We’re very family orientated. Barry used to run the place with his two daughters, and now it’s me and Emma, and sometimes our two daughters. People like that, and still respond to it.

“We also try to keep out prices as low as we can, to the extent we are competitive with the big chains. A lot of the time we can beat them on price.

“And as well as serving the community, we also support it by sponsoring local teams and charities. We don’t just take; we give back too.

"We value the community, and in return, they value us."

Weaverham Hardware was nominated one of Mid Cheshire’s top 12 businesses earlier this month by Northwich & Winsford Guardian and Knutsford Guardian readers.

Commenting on its nomination, one reader said ‘staff went out of their way to help me with a difficult problem’, while another said, ‘why go to a bigger store when such excellent service is available from an independent retailer?’

Graham added: “We have more than 70 years’ experience in the business between us, which mean customers can really trust our judgement.

“They really appreciate the advice we’re able to give.”