From a Needle to an Anchor
B&F Stores, Ballinagh announce all stock must go with up to 50% savings. Sale starts SATURDAY JULY 14th for 1 WEEK ONLY
For 46 years, B&F stores Limited on main street Ballinagh has served the community of the local area, as well as those much further afield, by providing a ‘one stop shop’ for builders, farmers, householders and the general public. With the announcement this week by owners Frank Brady and William Foster that they plan to retire, the store is holding a massive retirement sale where all stock must go over the week long sale that starts on Saturday July 14th.
It has been said many times by customers over the last four decades that you can find anything from a ‘needle to an anchor’ in B&F Stores, Ballinagh. William and Frank have endeavoured to help customers far and near, even out of hours.
This is very evident when you see the vast array of products in the store and large yard. You can purchase everything the householder might need from cleaning agents, paint, plumbing, all cooker parts, as well as a wide selection of household appliances, electrical equipment and heating supplies. Building contractors are also well catered for in B&F Stores with a huge range of building & plumbing materials, from large items like RSJ’s; slates; timber; plasterboard & insulation to the smaller fixtures & fittings; power and hand tools. The farming community are not forgotten either with a large selection of fencing and land drainage materials on offer.
Where it all began
William Foster and Frank Brady started their career as teenagers in 1960 when they both took a job in Fegans of Cavan, a well-known builders providers. Learning the business together until 1972 when, as young entrepreneurs, they saw an opportunity to set up on their own and purchased vacant premises on Main Street, Ballinagh that was previously Patrick Connolly & Son. Frank & William said that naming the new business took a bit of consideration and eventually they settled with the first letter of each of their surnames and B&F Stores was opened in August 1972.
Frank Brady at B&F Stores Engineering in the early days .
Growing the business through the 70’s, providing an array of household products and builders providers’ materials; they also manufactured and built agricultural sheds and were well known and respected for this side of the business.
Expanding in the 1980’s
With the business expanding Frank and William needed to extend the site and in the early 1980’s developed a yard to accommodate the larger stock items like building, heating and plumbing supplies etc. In 1984 the front of the shop was remodelled to what it is today, B&F Stores that stands proud on Main Street, Ballinagh. In the late 1980’s the fabulous ‘Market House’ a listed building that stands adjacent to B&F Stores and forecourt, was purchased by the dynamic duo.
William Foster in the early days of B&F Stores Ltd.
This gave B&F Store owners more space to store their ever expanding product range. William and Frank are very proud of their purchase of this historic building and plan to research its history when they have more time to do so after their well-deserved retirement.
Ballinagh grew with B&F Stores products
Frank Brady and William Foster have witnessed many changes in the town of Ballinagh during their 46 years in business and are very proud of how the town has developed with plenty of recreational and sporting facilities to avail of for the growing community. They explained how B&F Stores supplied building materials, fixtures and fittings and house decoration to the many new housing & apartment developments in Ballinagh like Forge Brook, Shangarry and Ashgrove. They also supplied materials for the Ballinagh new Primary School, the new Church, the community centre and the football field.
The next chapter
After working for some 58 years William Foster and Frank Brady, owners of B&F Stores Limited, feel that the time is right for them to retire, although they said they will miss the interaction with customers in the store.
A large selection of Wallpaper & Paint will also be on sale in B&F Stores
Frank & William said, “We are looking forward to having more time to spend with our families and to pursue other hobbies perhaps. With Frank’s ten grandchildren and William’s 9 grandchildren to keep us young and occupied we will not have time to get bored. Before we sell out of fishing tackle and bait in the B&F Stores sale we just might invest in fishing equipment now that we will have more time on our hands” The retirees will not be put out to grass but rather spend more time tending to their farms and watching their own grass grow!
Many people to thank
William Foster and Frank Brady want to thank a number of people who helped them grow the B&F Stores business over the past 46 years. In particular they thank all their loyal customers, some of whom are customers since the B&F Stores doors opened in August 1972.
They also thank the committed B&F Stores staff, both past and present, who ensured the best customer service was offered to everyone who came into the store. To their kind neighbours on Main Street, Ballinagh they say thank you for your support and excellent relations over the years. Also, for being for being better than any security company.
Frank & William with some of the stock that will be in their Retirement Sale
As Frank and William look forward to this new chapter in their lives, they look forward to meeting and greeting everyone during the week long retirement sale from Saturday 14th July to Saturday 21st July. They both wish the town and wider community every success in the future.
Frank and William also want to acknowledge the support of their families, especially their wives, Violet and Audrey, over the 46 years. Also, the Foster and Brady children for helping out when needed.