A town centre newsagents which has been in the same spot for more than 30 years is set to close its doors for the final time next week.
Immy Adam, 55, has been running Adam’s News in Crompton Place, Bolton since 1990 but has decided that now is the time to call it a day.
Immy lists the emergence of internet shopping, retail parks, and 24-hour supermarket opening times as some of the things that have made competing for business difficult in recent years.
The newsagents final day of operation will be Tuesday, January 31.
He said: “It is with great sadness that we have taken the difficult decision to close our doors in the Crompton Place Shopping Centre.
“We recognise that consumer habits have changed and continue to evolve and unfortunately all good things come to an end.
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“We have operated our unit since 1990 and have wonderful memories of over 32 years.
“During this time we have developed excellent relationships with hundreds of our loyal customers and we would like to take the opportunity to thank them all for their friendship and custom over the years.”
Having served the community for so long, Adam’s News has even had visits from some of Bolton’s most famous faces.
A number of Bolton Wanderers players and staff have passed through his doors over the years, including Andy Walker – who he described as a regular – and former manager Sam Allardyce.
He added: “Our time at the centre has been made even more enjoyable by the excellent staff that work within the centre, from the manager and her team through to the other tenants.
"We will miss their company and comradeship.”
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Immy described Crompton place as “at one point the heartbeat of the town centre”.
“It was the place to visit,” he said.
“We feel privileged and honoured to have been part of this experience.
“We would like to wish all our friends, customers, the staff at the centre, and other tenants all the best for the future.
“We would also like to thank the council for their support over recent years and wish them all the success with their vision for Bolton town centre.”
He also extended his thanks to all his staff that have helped him over the years.
Immy described his situation as semi-retirement, saying he may well find something else to keep himself occupied.
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He now plans to “jet off somewhere” to take a well-deserved break, but being “Bolton born and bred”, he will still be in and around the town and expects to bump into familiar people.
If you have a story or something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at lewis.finney@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @lewisfinney18.
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