North East c-store finds new owner

The store has been operated by the Haire family for the past 22 years. The mother and son team purchased the newsagents separate to the off licence next door, before combining both businesses by removing the party wall, and carrying out a refit at the time.

Ali, a local who has run similar businesses elsewhere in the region, plans to rearrange the shop layout to make more shelving space and introduce more products, including fresh and chilled foods.

Andrew Birnie from Christie & Co, said: “The store is situated in a nice residential area in Washington Tyne and Wear, so many buyers identified this as an ideal opportunity, yet as there is no accommodation it was expected the buyer would be reasonably local, which was the case with Mr Ali.

“Since last year, due in part to changes in shopping habits due to lockdowns, convenience stores, both freehold, and leasehold have been in high demand and this does not appear to be letting up. We have observed an increase in new registrations for convenience assets on our website for the past three weeks in a row, so we are keen to talk to owners looking to sell.”

Londis Biddick was sold off a guide price of £125,000 on a leasehold basis.