Willie and Pat move on after three decades
AFTER 30 years, it is all change at Willie and Pats.
One of the bestknown shops in Lochgilphead is up for sale – but this is no failing operation cutting and running. Willie and Pat Ward are planning to sell the shop as a going concern, believing that demand is strong for their range of household goods and clothing.
The couple know their business inside out. It all began with a market stall in Castleford, West Yorkshire, in the early 1970s. They moved to Tarbert, where Willie has strong family connections, in 1981 and began selling a variety of goods, including clothing and bedding, in public halls across the region – in Campbeltown, Tarbert, Islay and Lochgilphead.
Within a few years the opportunity came up to set up shop in Lochgilphead, and Willie and Pats was born, an Argyll Street fixture to this day.
Willie explained: ‘I’m turning 70 next year, so it’s the right time to step back a bit.’
Added Pat: ‘Computers are becoming more important, and we don’t really do computers.
‘We would like a bit of time to ourselves, and we think the shop could be even better with somebody younger to take it online and into the future.’
So, now is the time to move on – but such is the following the couple, along with daughter Lisa and son-inlaw Jamie, have built over the years that they are reluctant to see the shop’s services disappear altogether.
Pat said: ‘We have worked hard over the years to offer quality goods at affordable prices, and we would be happy to share that knowledge with new owners.
‘I want to thank all our customers, old and new, and we are grateful for all your support over the 30 years we have been in Lochgilphead.’
Miller Stewart is dealing with the sale, and any inquiries can be directed there. See the advert on page 25 for more information.