Traditional Village Convenience Store and Post Office for Sale in Sherborne, Dorset
Presented for sale is a charming traditional village convenience store and Post Office located in the picturesque town of Sherborne, Dorset. Sherborne has recently been voted the best place to live in England for 2024 by The Times Newspaper. This well-established village store, which first opened its doors in 1912, boasts a strong reputation within the local community and surrounding areas.
Profitable Growth: The business has consistently shown profitable growth year after year.
Turnover Potential: There is significant potential for a new owner to increase turnover by introducing new product lines, additional services, and extended opening hours.
Prime Location: Situated next to a busy main road, the store benefits from excellent footfall. Off-road parking is available.
Affluent Retirement Village: The store is in an affluent retirement village with its own school, church, and pub.
Inviting Atmosphere: The Post Office draws customers into the inviting and traditional village store.
Property Included: The premises include a 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom house attached to the store.
Outdoor Space: A large garden with two buildings and an external garage/storage area offers potential for expansion.
Tea Room/Gardens Opportunity: Suppliers are ready to assist in setting up a tearoom or gardens on the property.
Business Hours: Open Monday to Saturday, with half-days on Wednesdays and Saturdays (closing at 1pm). Closed between 1pm and 2pm daily. Sunday newspaper delivery service continues.
Staffing: Owners work 34 to 37 hours per week each. Three paper delivery staff cover Monday to Sunday, and holiday leave is covered by one additional staff member.
Product Range: The store offers a substantial range of products, including stationery, cards, magazines, newspapers, chilled drinks, tobacco, alcohol, sweets, and household items.
Post Office Services: The local Post Office branch handles cash withdrawals and deposits (business and private), cheque deposits, balance inquiries, and parcel/letter services. The shop till remains separate from the Post Office counter, but one person can manage both when needed. Paystation services are also available.
Sales Figures:
Average weekly shop sales: £3,500 + VAT
Annual Post Office commissions: £26,000 + VAT
Growth Opportunities:
Consider adding a hot coffee machine and lunchtime products.
Explore the possibility of offering lottery services (subject to Allywyn’s application process).
Interest in this unique business opportunity is expected to be high. Viewing is highly advised. Contact us for further details and to arrange a visit.
Premises and Additional Information:
Ground Floor Shop: The light-filled ground floor shop exudes traditional charm, featuring flagstone flooring. All fixtures, fittings, and equipment necessary to run the business will be included in the sale, except for the ePos system (which is easily replaceable). Notable items include:
1 large soft drink refrigerator
1 Walls-branded ice cream freezer
1 upright frozen food display freezer
1 newspaper stand.
Shelving and racking
1 stock room fridge and freezer
Spacious storage areas above the shop and garage, currently utilized for additional stock.
Alarm system installed within the last 5 years, fully controllable for the shop, house, and garage.
Additional Information:
This is a business for sale as a going concern, not an empty premises for sale or let.
Confidential Information: To access further details (such as accounts), complete a short non-disclosure form. Contact us for instructions.
Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday: 8 am to 5 pm
Wednesday and Saturday: 8 am to 1 pm
Sunday: Closed
Lunch hour (1 pm – 2 pm) daily.
Tenure: Leasehold with a 10-year lease starting from 29th September 2024 (renewable under the Landlords and Tenants Act 1954).
Lease Assignment: The purchaser is responsible for the landlord’s costs and fees related to the existing lease.
Rent Payable: £7,800 per annum (paid quarterly).
Business Rates: None due (due to the size of the village residency).
Price: £160,000 + Stock at Valuation (estimated stock value around £9,000 at the time of instruction; owners willing to adjust stock for the purchase date).
Benefit: Leasehold, goodwill of the business, fixtures, fittings, and equipment. Stock payable in addition upon completion.
Viewing: Strictly by appointment only. Please contact us using the form provided.
Stock Included: N/A
Average weekly turnover: £3,500 (gross profit approx. 30%)
Post Office income: Approximately £25,000 per annum.
