- Highly popular traditional hardware business
- Outstanding business opportunity in the thriving town of Alness
- Prominent and accessible central trading location
- Strong turnover and high profitability
- Sustainable trading model
- Ground floor sales area with a net internal area of circa 240m².
- Two secure shipping container storage to the rear
- Roadside parking spaces and public car parking close by
DESCRIPTION
Home & Hardware is a flourishing retail business set in a prominent trading position in the town centre of Alness. This prosperous and attractive trading unit is well-established with a long trading history dating circa 13 years. The business occupies the ground floor of the sandstone terraced property and has two rear storage areas with access for deliveries. The significant turnover is generated from a wide selection of sales which include general household goods including electrical items, gardening equipment, pet supplies, general hardware and DIY items to name the main categories. Home & Hardware is deceptively spacious with a net trading area extending to approximately 240m². The store is set out intelligently making the most of this flexible space, utilising a wide range of shelving and racking as well as free standing display units. It also benefits from a modern EPOS system incorporating 2 Touch screen tills and 3 label printers. This links to the back office computer that allows the operator to link directly with suppliers and their systems for ordering etc. The business also has a 9 camera and 2 monitor CCTV system that can also be remotely accessed.
The business is a member of the large Independent buying and marketing group, Home Hardware Scotland Ltd , which is a thriving Scottish based distribution hub guaranteeing low prices and exceptional customer services. This group also ensures a highly impactful advertising campaign, featuring high-quality magazines distributed throughout the local area at various points throughout the trading year.
TRADE
This thriving business operates at a highly profitable level. The strong profit margins are supported by a reliable stock supply through its partnership with Home Hardware Scotland Ltd. and other wholesale suppliers.
The shop is open between 9am and 5pm Monday through to Saturday. Shorter opening hours are set for bank holidays.
STAFF
Currently the 3 family owners work together in operating the business. No additional staff are required.
REASON FOR SALE
The business has been owned and successfully operated for over circa 13 years. It is now their desire to retire that brings this fantastic business opportunity to the market.
THE RETAIL UNIT
The business is located on the ground floor of the attractive two-storey sandstone building. The main frontage sits on to the high street in the town centre. Large signage clearly defines the business.
Upon entry, to the left is the modern sales counter which is cleverly situated to afford excellent control and security. The front sales area is at ground level with a step up to the continuation of the shop floor which extends to the back of the property. Many aisles run with racking and shelving from the front of the shop to the rear of the property. Other features include Dulux paint mixing/tinting area, a key cutting service and Carpet cleaner machine hire.
From the sales floor there is a door to two storage rooms, key cutting workshop, office/kitchen area and WC. A rear external door and separate hallway allow for access directly to the back areas from the rear of the building.
WEBSITE
The business has a Facebook presence where they have over 2,000 followers and excellent reviews.
Location
The Town of Alness is set immediately adjacent to the busy A9; the arterial route from Inverness to Thurso. The shop is conveniently located, with some on street parking and located close to the local public car park. Nearby there is a good range of shops and offices etc. Alness is well served with facilities and services for visitors and residents alike.
The recent creation of the Inverness and Cromarty Green Freeport along with future new housing developments in the town will benefit all businesses in the region, making now the time to start a new business in the area. The town is centrally located for exploring the wider Highland area, taking in its many attractions. Inverness, Culloden Battlefield and Loch Ness are all within a day-trip distance. Outdoor pursuits such as bird watching and fishing also draw a great many visitors to the region who take advantage of the abundance of wildlife. Within the Cromarty Firth seals are readily observed and, in the Moray Firth, dolphins are a great attraction. For the dedicated golfer there are a number of outstanding quality golf courses within the immediate area, the most famous being Royal Dornoch. Castles, Potteries and distilleries offer the more leisurely tourist ample places of culture, interest and history to visit. Alness enjoys a very good geographic location and is an ideal base from which visitors can continue their exploration of Sutherland, Caithness and the West Coast.
Terms
GROUND AND EXTERNAL AREAS
There are two parking spaces at the rear of the building with additional free parking close by on Alness High Street and free local council car parks.
The rear of the property has a secure compound which hosts two secure 22GB, 10ft shipping containers which is used for the storage of large overstock such as compost and concrete. This is useful when the stock is bulk bought at competitive prices. The business also offers a build services for garden benches, bird houses and such.
SERVICES
The units both benefit from mains electricity, natural gas, mains water and drainage.
ACCOUNTS
Comprehensive financial information will be provided to genuinely interested parties following viewing.
EPC RATING
The EPC rating for the retail unit is ‘B’
RATES / COUNCIL TAX
The retail unit has a rateable value of £12,750 as at April 2025 , property reference number 03/22/023700/7.
PLANS
An indicative plan is available upon request from the selling agents ASG Commercial.