Store owner cashes up after 35 years

A CONVENIENCE store owner is selling up after 35 years.

Bill Johnstone has run the W.D. Johnstone shop on East Trinity Road since 1975 and built the store into an institution in the Trinity area.

However, he has now agreed to sell the chain to a husband-and-wife team that already own a similar business in the Colinton area.

David Higgins, who handled the sale for agents Christie & Co, said: "When Mr Johnstone approached us indicating he wished to retire, he asked us to market the business quietly to operators who were already known to us and who would be in a position to take over the shop without too much fuss.

"We feel that Mr and Mrs Mathur will be the ideal new owners for a business of this type, having gained lots of experience running their Colinton convenience store."

He added: "I would like to wish Bill Johnstone all the best for his retirement and, on behalf of his customers, thank him for the excellent service he has given over the last 35 years."