Kings Heath residents love York Supplies, but it’s finally happened: Jon is retiring!
You may have heard of York Supplies. We’ve been in the news. Trading in the vibrant Birmingham suburb of Kings Heath since 1947, our very special hardware store and garden centre faced closure upon the retirement of the current owners.
Then our lovely customers stepped in and formed a co-op to save this unusual and much loved shop. They’ve raised the investment to buy the business and it will now be run by and for the community.
Why we love York Supplies
York Supplies provides tools, plants and invaluable advice, services like sharpening and timber cutting, local information, and sharing of knowledge and skills.
As customers we value being able to buy everything from large special orders and too many plants(!) to just half a dozen screws or four seed potatoes. Just as important, we also benefit hugely from Jon’s knowledge, experience and advice on everything from the history of the area, through the best plants for Kings Heath gardens, to how to solve that perplexing practical problem with your house. York Supplies is more than just a shop: it acts as a hub for our diverse Kings Heath community.
Why a community buyout?
Jon’s retirement means he is selling the shop. Property developers are obviously interested in the site, but not in the shop and the many things it provides for local residents. We believe there is enough love for York Supplies to finance the purchase of the property and business as a going concern, and to turn it into a co-op belonging to customers and continuing to serve the Kings Heath community.
We also have some ideas for how the shop could provide an even wider range of goods, services, advice and training, and always welcome more!
We need your help!
To get involved please sign up to our mailing list and come along to our next market stall.
Our community share offer launched on Friday 21 July! We hope you will consider buying a stake in the future of the shop for as little as £100.