A "sad loss to the city" as a much-loved family business will be closing soon.
Wavertree Nook Road Aquarium has been operated by the same family since originally opening as a chandelier shop in 1965. A few decades later, founder and patriarch Hugh Stamper, now 89, decided to turn his passion for fish and aquatics into a business, and the much-loved aquarium centre was born.
Despite almost 60 years of trading, and battling through many hardships along the way, the family made a "hard decision" to close for good. Taking to social media to confirm the news, they said the store will close "in the very near future" as they thanks customers for their loyalty.
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Speaking to the ECHO, Hugh's son Mike, 66, said: "It was going good until about five years ago and things started going down a bit with the rise of internet shopping. Then the pandemic hit and after lockdown the shop went completely dead, everyone had to learn to go online.
"We made the decision just because the outgoings are more than the incoming and the takings have dropped and dropped. People are ordering things online and I can't blame them, it's all about convenience and things being available at the click of a button."
The business has remained in the family, with three generations working there as Mike added: "It's even been a meeting place for family, they know someone is in during opening hours."
Since announcing the news, many customers, old and new, have been sharing and commenting on the post with their fond memories. One customer said: "Such a shame been coming here since I was a kid. Amazing place and amazing helpful staff. Best of luck for the future."
Another wrote: "Such a great shop with great staff. Will be sad to see it close down. First place I went to when I got my tank. Have had so much help and advice. Good luck for the future."
A third added: "A sad loss to the city Hugh. You looked after us so well over the years, even helping my wife, Ann, when our tank got accidentally cracked. Best of luck."
The ECHO previously reported how in 2006, the beloved venue was almost completely destroyed in a fire. It was a "family effort, with all hands on deck" to restore the business.
Then, a ring of road signs around the Edge Lane development more than five years ago impacted trade. The massive redevelopment of the Liverpool Shopping Park caused disruption along the busy main road, affecting passing trade and ease of access. But the family remained strong as they said they were not ready to throw in the towel yet.
Speaking previously, granddaughter Joss said: "Back in the day, it was very much part of the community and because we are such a large family, everyone knew us. My grandad was always friendly, always willing to help out, and he used to make all the fish tanks for the aquarium as well but after the fire, the workshop out the back burned down so he couldn’t do that anymore.
"My grandad was the go-to person to help repair any windows or glass in the area - he fixed school windows too and anytime anyone needed anything, he was there. Everyone knew to come to him."
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