A Cardiff corner shop has announced its closure after 20 years. Shopkeepers Neil and Rachel Robjohn have closed their corner shop after 23 years serving the local community of Penylan. The married couple started the business in Waterloo Gardens in November 2000 after Neil was encouraged to become his own boss by a friend.
“I was always born to be a shopkeeper, I have the right attitude; being fair and having good customer service,” he said. But after more than two decades the couple are looking forward to some rest and relaxation. “The shop is just constant, there’s no let up,” said Neil.
“I’ve seen people in this business work and work and work until they’re incapacitated or they die. And I thought to myself ‘I’m not going to do that.’” He continued: “We’re going to take a good holiday with the family and we won’t have to worry about the shop whilst we’re away.”
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Before taking over the Waterloo Gardens store Neil was a driver for a car rental company but realised he wanted to own his own business. The pair have worked together every day for the past 12 years after Rachel swapped working as an engineer and physics technician at Whitchurch high School to working on the shop floor.
But the couple will be missed by locals. “Customers have already commented ‘who am I going to talk to about Star Wars with?’ You get to know people and we’ve made friends for life,” Rachel said.
Nic Bowes, who has known Neil for seven years, said: “They’ve been really great. I’m just so thankful for them. They’re great with kids as well. My partner’s son has been able to buy sweets and owe 10p and things like that.” Another loyal customer Dave Kiford said: “They’ve done fantastic work and it’s so sad to see them go.”
To say thank you a GoFundMe page has been set up and the community have donated almost £1,500 in just five days. Lottie Stokes who organised the fundraiser suggested the money could be put towards a meal or a family day out.
“Neil and Rachel have always supported the community, helped a lot out during the pandemic and will always be the first to help if needed.” she said. Get Cardiff stories straight to your inbox by subscribing to our daily newsletter here.
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