AGE Isle of Man is to open its new shop at the former Manx Electricity Authority Showroom in Station Road, Port Erin, at 10am on Monday, January 31.
The charity (formerly known as Age Concern) has run a shop, further along Station Road, in Port Erin, for almost 20 years and is well established in the village.
It said that its volunteer staff has done a ‘superb job’ keeping the rented shop going over a long period of time.
But in recent years the charity became short of space and the premises were much in need of refurbishment.
‘We were also paying a substantial rent,’ said George Quayle, chief executive officer of Age Isle of Man.
He said: ‘We were fortunate therefore as a charity to receive a substantial legacy just before the MEA closed down its retail outlets.
‘Our directors felt it was a sensible investment to make to buy the shop in the current financial climate.
‘As retailing provides us with a very important income stream, this move has ensured both our continued trading in Port Erin and the future sustainability of Age Isle of Man.’
The shop will continue to provide second hand and nearly new goods and information on Age Isle of Man.
Given the increased size of the store, they are keen to recruit more volunteers to help with its running.
Anyone interested in working in the new shop should contact Age Isle of Man, phone 631740, or visit the shop once it is open.
It was announced last April that the Manx Electricity Authority was to cease retail trading and close its five shrowrooms in Douglas, Ramsey, Castletown, Peel, and Port Erin.
MEA Showrooms had been selling electrical appliances on the island for several decades.
MEA said then: ‘However, as has been well publicised, retail across the British Isles has been significantly affected by the economic downturn and this has brought into question the MEA’s proposals to return the business to profitability.’
It added: ‘Following a full review of the entire retail operation, and despite the sterling efforts of the staff, the MEA Board has concluded that it is not possible to turn the business around from its current loss-making position.
‘The Council of Ministers has confirmed its agreement with this decision.’
It followed that the showrooms closed down and the now empty units have been sold by the government.
