It is with a heavy heart that I must deliver the saddest news: after much soul-searching, Carol and I have decided…
Oh, screw it; even I can’t carry this off with a straight face. So; start again…
I am, in fact, delighted to report that Rum Bridge is now SOLD (stc).
There is however one solitary bluebottle in the buttie: whilst glamping etc. will remain unaffected, the new owners have no retail experience and thus precisely zero interest in the shop, which will therefore close permanently on October 1st.
On this, I am genuinely ambivalent. Whilst the time has come for us to take our feet off the gas, at least a little, Rum Bridge Tackle has grown consistently, year on year – attracting a loyal customer base from Haverhill, Sudbury and beyond; and further afield still, following the launch of our ecommerce store.
But… whilst I remain convinced that there’s a profitable, untapped market for the right store in the right location, successful tackle dealers today either go big or go home; and being by nature workshy, I’m unwilling to commit eight days a week to another solo venture on this scale.
Meaning, barring divine (or nearest offer) intervention, we’re outta here.
Given which, I’d like to offer a genuine ‘Thank you’ to the many carp and specimen anglers who have supported us over the years.
And, as you would expect, to extend the metaphorical middle digit to those that didn’t.
Done and done. So; platitudes aside, what happens next?
Well, with effect from 1st September, the tackle shop will be open from Friday-Sunday only, offering – alongside the regular (and regularly priced) stock – a raft of BOGOF, pound store and other bargains in ‘the middle aisle’ (and loads more online); presaging a Grand Selling Up Sale, which will take place from the 27th-30th September – at which time (and not before) all remaining stock will be cleared at ** HALF PRICE or less ** .
The subtext, for the avoidance of doubt: please don’t ask for ‘Mate’s rates’ or ‘Pre-sale discounts’ in the meantime, as robust rejection often offends.
And that, I think, covers everything – save to borrow from the late, great Douglas Adams in wishing you all So long.
And thanks for all the fish.
