A COMMUNITY poundhsop is set to close after two decades, but owners say there is hope.
Poundbuster was run by Raja Sajjad and his family and served residents in Shaw, Oldham, for almost 20 years.
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The family-run business, which was initially a veterinary clinic, opened on Shaw’s Market Street in 2004.
Bargains and discounted products attracted dozens of locals to the popular discount shop.
But the popular shop confirmed in May it will close its doors for good.
On a Facebook post, the owners said: “After 19 Years of trading in our home town of Shaw we have decided to sell our business.
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“We are also open to offers to let the shop if anyone is interested to change the use of the shop.”
The 74-year-old told The Oldham Times he will “miss the people” who frequent the shop and said: “It wasn’t just a retail business, it was a community shop.”
Mr Sajjad, who was “the rock behind the business”, was forced to step back from the shop after falling ill.
And his children couldn’t take over the shop as they were busy with university.
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Despite the cost-of-living crisis biting hard on the business, the father-of-three said he doesn’t regret his decision.
“The pandemic brought us very, very close together. We’re helping each other. No regrets, none whatsoever,” Mr Sajjad said.
The shop became popular after the family launched a scheme which gave people aged over 60 a special discount on basic items last year.
Elderly customers were given a 10 per cent discount on Tuesdays to “boost their morale”.
At the time, Mr Sajjad said: “We’ve been looking at ways to increase morale because everything is doom and gloom.
“Everywhere you look – you switch on the TV, the news, the prices of the energy – so it’s good to give something back.
“It’s only a little thing with 10 per cent on Tuesday, but the smiles on the customers’ faces are priceless.”
The generous businessman said the initiative was far from a “money-making scheme” – as the items customers were purchasing are very cheap.
“My motto in life is that it’s not all about making money. Money comes and goes. It’s about giving something back,” he said.
However, the businesses was also going through its own financial crisis with the owner struggling with energy hikes and sky-rocketing bills.
Poundbuster also supported the most vulnerable in the community throughout the pandemic.
The family helped locals by giving items away and offering delivery services to the elderly.
And they also collected donations to support those affected by the war in Ukraine.
The veteran business owner said he is now ready for a career change and plans to become a freelance life coach.
Plans are now submitted for the unit to be transformed into a one-bed home.
The application shows the shop floor transformed into a living room and kitchen, and the first floor will house a bedroom.
Oldham Council approved the proposal earlier this week and agreed to add the new home near a bus route.
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It comes after a beloved car garage is set to close its doors for good after 43 years.
Owners of the once-thriving family business in Monmouthshire in Wales are saying their last goodbye.
