06/05/2026
A MESSAGE FOR OUR CUSTOMERS
The following has been written with a bittersweet feeling:
Kathy and I took over this store, Smardons News in Bolton Street, on 1st October 2004—nearly 22 years ago! We have enjoyed serving the wonderful people of Brixham since then. However, age catches up with us all, and we have made the decision that we can no longer commit to working seven days a week. We would also like to have time to do the things we have missed out on whilst we are able.
As many of our regulars already know, the business was put up for sale, and we accepted an offer some time ago. The sale process has, for one reason or another, taken far longer than expected but all the paperwork has now been signed. Therefore, I’m sad to say that our last day of owning this shop will be Wednesday 13th May, and the new owners will take over the following day.
We would like to thank my mum and late stepfather, Tony, who helped us with their knowledge and experience. This was our first shop, and they were only supposed to help for a couple of years but they ended up staying until 2014, when ill health forced Tony to retire.
We would also like to thank all staff, past and present, who have worked with us over the years. You have all contributed to the success of this business, and we truly appreciate it. A special thank you also goes to our daughter, Kirsty. She has helped enormously, especially over the past two years and taken a great deal of weight off our shoulders.
Thank you to Jon Barker for being a fantastic landlord, as were his parents, Izzy and Derrick, before him.
The biggest thank you, though, is to you—our customers. With out-of-town shopping, parking issues, Covid, the cost-of-living crisis, and all the red tape thrown at us, small independent businesses have struggled. However, with your support and loyalty, we have continued to flourish, and we can’t thank you enough.
Although we are both Devonians, neither of us comes from Brixham, but we have always felt welcome and have loved being part of this wonderful town and community. We are proud to have been part of this shop’s 100 year history and hope you will continue to support the new owners so it can still be here in another 100 years.
So it’s time to say goodbye—and thank you all once more.
Stuart, Kathy and Kirsty
