Customers bid fond farewell to family behind DIY business

Tuesday 15 October 2019

Praise has poured in for a DIY business, which has been in the hands of the same family for centuries, after it was announced they’ll be selling the business due to retirement.

Following the news that Andersons’ DIY stores in town and Les Quennevais are up for sale, many islanders flocked to social media to share their experiences of the family-run business.

An advertisement announcing that the business was up for sale stated only that it was “due to retirement” as the current directors Derek, Joanne, Chris and Dawn prepare for the stores to change hands.

Selling painting, decorating, homeware and other DIY supplies, the stores were founded by the Anderson family back in the 1800s as a decorators’ merchant.

Pictured: The business has been in the Andersons family for centuries. (Andersons Ltd)

Now they offer picture framing services, tools and even small pieces of furniture and other homeware products. 

In addition to the two shops in St. Helier and St. Brelade, they also run a warehouse facility at Rue des Pres.

Paying tribute to the family behind Andersons, one islander posted on a local Facebook forum: "This is such a good business and served Jersey well for so long. Their range of goods and services are brilliant. I hope someone takes it on as it is and carries on for many more years."

The comment received over 130 reactions and dozens of comments and shares.

Pictured: Customers of the business took to Facebook to praise the family business.

One reply read: “Let’s hope they find a buyer for both stores. They have fantastic businesses with a very loyal following. Wonderful staff and amazing range of products. I have been shopping there for decades.” 

Another joined in the thread, saying: “I hadn’t heard this and am really disappointed. I tend to use the St. Brelade branch and the staff are so so so very helpful, traditional customer care at its best!”

Someone else wished the current owners well in their retirement: “Lovely family, an iconic local shop, but you can’t blame them for retiring it’s a hands-on business and I wish them all the very best. Go for it, Derek.”