Alfred Dolbear has dedicated decades of his life to running a discount store.
The shop owner, known as Arkwright after the loveable shoppie in Open All Hours, started in the industry aged 15.
While working in a factory as a teenager, he also juggled a job running a market stall.
READ MORE: Man, 36, fumes at 'rubbish' Thorpe Park birthday after failing to get on any rides
Then when his first marriage ended in 1976, he decided to open his own shop called Alfie's.
Almost 50 years later, Alfred is closing down his store as he wants "a bit of life".
Ahead of his retirement, the 76-year-old spoke to DevonLive about his career – and the most popular item he flogged through the years.
The experienced businessman said: “Things have been fantastic over the last 47 years, but the previous year has been challenging, and the last six months have been very hard.
“Many shops in the town are closing or calling it a day. Now I'm 76, and I want a bit of life.
"I started selling stuff to the boys at work in the factories and gradually worked my way up from the markets and then took it from there.
“Those early years were fantastic; you had banks in the town, a fish place, and everything you needed.
“There was no need to go anywhere else in Cullompton, but now, sadly, there isn't too much left.
“Glass hammers, wood screwdrivers, we have it all, I find our leading sellers are household toiletries, stationery, spray paints and garden stuff.
“We used to do a lot of medicines, but that's all dropped over the years.
“The biggest seller we have got is black bag refuse sacks. We sell the best bag you'll ever buy, and British-made too.”
Alfred won't be passing on his business to his sons as they both have their own successful careers.
He also pointed out that many are turning to online shopping instead of visiting independent stores.
The shop owner said: “Over the years, we've seen a lot of money go towards internet retailers, and the big stores have come in and killed the prices.
“Shoppers go to the big stores, get what they need, put it all in the car and drive home. They don't want to come up town to buy a packet of black bags or a toilet roll off me and then go and visit the butchers. They'd sooner go and get it in the car and go home.
“When it went on Facebook I was closing, we had 194 people wanting to know where they're going to get their bags, and those that will miss seeing me outside talking to people. Many people now will be lost and not quite sure where to get their items.
"I'm going to keep open until I've sold most of my stock, and when I finally get around to closing, it'll be lovely, and I'll get to put my feet up.”
READ NEXT:
Mum explains how she bagged five-star holiday for £1.40 – and you can too
Bride tried to 'shut down' beach and kick people out of the sea for wedding snaps
Sunbed hoggers enraged by staff removing towels at five-star Tenerife hotel
Cabin crew share things passengers should never do on plane such as wearing shorts
Source: Read Full Article
