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Retiring brothers put Gosforth hardware store Thorpes up for sale

Popular Gosforth family business Thorpes, which has stood for 70 years on Gosforth High Street, is up for sale.

Brothers Colin and Peter Thorpe, who own the venture, are due to retire soon and expect a new buyer to swiftly snap up the double fronted store.

Opened in 1947 by Edward Thorpe Snr, the hardware shop is the High Street’s longest running store and has become synonymous with the Gosforth area ever since.

Colin Thorpe explained: “It was a very difficult decision for us both to put the business up for sale. We will both soon be retiring and our children have followed their own careers, so there is no one to carry on the business.

“We have therefore decided that the time is right to find a new owner to take over from us and continue running and growing the business for many years to come.

“We have really enjoyed running the shop, and we are sure that our grandfather would be incredibly proud of the much loved local business which Thorpes has grown into over two more generations.

“We would like to extend a huge and heartfelt thanks to all our friendly and loyal customers who have made running our shop a real pleasure over the years.”

The 1,690sqft store is now up for lease with Bradley Hall chartered surveyors and estate agents.

Tim Aisbitt, associate director at the firm, said: “This business is incredibly successful and has an excellent reputation within Gosforth and the surrounding areas. Those that know and live in Gosforth will know Thorpes.”

“The unique opportunity to purchase a double fronted store in such a busy and sought after shopping location such as Gosforth High Street doesn’t come around very often.”

“We are confident that this store will not be available for long, and encourage interested investors to come forward as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.”

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