Well-loved Croydon family business to close at Christmas
One of Croydon's oldest family businesses, Turtle's, is to close its doors for the last time on Christmas Eve.
The future of the business has been uncertain for the past couple of years since compulsory purchase orders were issued on Park Street shops to allow Minerva's massive Park Place retail development to go ahead.
The lease on the store which is famous for selling its huge range of hardware and tools, is coming to an end.
And owner Jeremy Turtle told the Advertiser renewing it was not really an option.
Mr Turtle said: "I am 65 and have been involved in the business for 44 years.
"I want to retire and there is nobody else in the family who is interested in taking over, so there is no choice but to close.
"Business has not been very good recently and I think it has been affected by the uncertainty. There is little chance of selling it as a going concern."
The store employs around 30 people, many of them on a part-time basis.
Mr Turtle said: "We are all very upset but you can't go on forever. I am very disappointed for my customers."
34 Comments
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by ann, yorkshire
Monday, November 17 2008, 2:55PM
“another good shop going i use to go in there when i was a child buying my bits for school now i am 60 a very long time ago. been living in yorkshire for 15 years but come to croydon twice a year and always pop in there to get knick nacks. will miss this place so much.”
by Soundgirlrocks, London
Saturday, October 25 2008, 4:41PM
“what am I going to do now turtles was the place you went when you need something and you were not sure who would sell it. I love the place, although not sure if it would be the same in a new location.”
by Richard, Southbury, CT, USA
Thursday, October 23 2008, 5:18PM
“I wonder if they considered doing an employee buy-out? If Mr. Turtle wants to retire, it would make sense for the 30 employees who are about to lose their jobs to club together and buy the business.
I suspect the real problem is that there's nowhere to move the business to. It depends on walk-in lunch time business. Moving it outside the Central Croydon area would doom the business.”
by Ian White, Forset Hill
Wednesday, October 15 2008, 8:27PM
“Shall miss such a establishment, so helpful. When looking for bolts Turtles did suggest this company who are helpful and not far from Croydon centre, they also do tools etc
Capital Supplies Ltd
87, Boston Rd, Croydon, Surrey CR0 3EJ
Tel: 020 8665 5520”
by Gerry, Croydon
Wednesday, October 15 2008, 4:59PM
“Another one goes. For those that want to use the small stores, then do so. You will surprised by what you find. For the essentials they are actually often cheaper then B&Q and Screwfix. One example is Melvyn Clarkes at Carshalton Wryth Green but I am sure there are others.”