Unique opportunity as Harrogate business Magpie up for sale
Magpie in Beulah Street has been put on the market – and it has everything its new owner might hope for in a business.
As well as a loyal customer base, recently reduced rent and unique features that encourage people back time and again, the shop is slap in the centre of town alongside some of the biggest names in retail.
That’s not all. For hopes have been running high that the new government may take strong action to help revitalise the nation’s high streets – paving the way for a host of new opportunities for existing and new traders.
As from April 1 st business rates are being halved and there is also strong focus on supporting Harrogate town centre businesses from the town’s Business Improvement District (Harrogate BID).
The organisation of town centre traders and other parties has been involved in a number of high-profile initiatives such as a cocktail and dining events, shop gift card and Christmas campaign. All have helped to create a fresh vibe around Harrogate’s main shopping areas.
According to leading business sales experts Ernest Wilson, Magpie could easily become someone’s ideal new business.
“This is a very well-known concern right at the heart of this beautiful and popular North Yorkshire spa town with thousands of tourists visiting each year,” said Jonathan Holmes, for the Leeds-based firm.
“Magpie is a stunning shop ideally located on one of the town busiest and best-known streets with many well-known operators on the doorstep such as Cafe Nero, Costa Coffee, Just Books, Games Workshop, Specsavers and many more.
“It’s a very profitable concern, and extremely popular with customers.”
Magpie has only gone on the market because current owners Alison and Paul Lucas are ready to retire after 15 years behind the counter.
They have grown the shop to offer a wide range of unique greetings cards and gifts that are exclusive to the town including delightful jewellery, money boxes and trinkets.
The shop is being sold with its stock included – so the new owners can start straight away.
According to owner Alison, the shop has loyal customers known to travel from well outside town to stock up on greetings cards and gifts, and a steady stream of visitors thanks to the nearby conference centre.
And with new initiatives aimed at encouraging shoppers and making it easier for businesses, the future's looking brighter for the town centre with every passing week.
Alison added: “We are hearing of more shoppers who want to enjoy the proper shopping experience, rather than clicking online. “They are coming to the town centre, browsing and taking part in the social side to shopping – chatting and having a giggle.”
The new owner will have the satisfaction of being their own boss and with a clever ‘EPOS’ system that scans and records every sale, keeping on top of stock and identifying trends is easy.
Magpie is being sold through business specialists Ernest Wilson.
To find out more about how to become the owner of one of Harrogate’s best-loved shops, or to browse what else is on offer, go to www.ernest-wilson.co.uk.