VILLIERS NOMINATES 'BARGAIN BUYS' ON CHIPPING BARNET HIGH STREET FOR SMALL SHOP OF THE YEAR AWARD

MP for Chipping Barnet, Theresa Villiers, has nominated local independent retailer 'Bargain Buys' on Chipping Barnet High Street for the award of Small Shop of the Year 2010. This annual competition is by the All Party Parliamentary Small Shops Group with the aim of rallying support for small local retailers and highlighting their important role in our local communities.

Theresa said “I warmly applaud the initiative taken by the All Parliamentary Small Shops Group. Small local shops are a hugely important resource of residents and keeping our high streets flourishing during difficult times is an important priority for me.”

“‘Bargain Buys’ is owned by local resident, Julian Stewart, and has been trading in Chipping Barnet High Street since 1979. Anyone who has visited the shop will know that Julian manages to squeeze an unbelievably wide range of useful items into his shop, from cups and teaspoons to light bulbs, doorbells and gardening tools. Bargain Buys is an Aladdin’s Cave of the hardware world and Julian is always on hand to offer expert advice and friendly conversation to each individual customer. And if you cannot find what you want in the shop, Julian simply disappears for a few minutes only to magically reappear having retrieved exactly what you need from his store-room. His impeccably behaved dog, Sammy, who sits outside, adds to the shop’s charm.”

“Bargain Buys’ has stood the test of time, weathered the effects of the recession and for many years has been a much valued institution on Chipping Barnet High Street. It is one of the first places local residents think of when they need to buy tools and materials when carrying out jobs around the house. Julian’s prices are always hard to beat and I am a regular customer.”

“So for all these reasons, I believe that Bargain Buys is a great local enterprise to consider for the award of Small Shop of the Year 2010.”