Cottam village store with substantial growth potential for sale
Specialist business property advisor, Christie & Co is pleased to be marketing Cottam Post Office, an independent freehold general store and post office located in the densely populated Preston village of Cottam, Lancashire.
Cottam Post Office has served the local community for over 100 years from a prominent position on Hoyles Lane. The current owners, Emma and Dave recently celebrated 20 years of ownership, during which time they have substantially extended the property and developed the products and services on offer, making it into the highly profitable business it is today.
The store now comprises a post office open seven days a week and a general store which offers newspapers, a range of local produce, takeaway sandwiches and pies, and probably most recognisably, Emma’s popular selection of gifts and cards.
During the COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020, the store remained open and was highly relied upon by the Cottam community, being the sole convenience store in the rural village. Emma and Dave have worked tirelessly to support residents in the area throughout the pandemic and delivered food parcels to the elderly and those shielding or isolating. They have loved running the store but feel that the time is right to pass the reigns to a new owner who can continue to grow the business.
The sale of Cottam Post Office presents a unique opportunity for potential purchasers, with the area tipped to see substantial economic growth in the coming years. Close to the store, a new development of 6,000 homes and a new motorway junction are being built and this increased footfall will greatly benefit the business’ profitability and further growth.
Emma and Dave comment, “We have thoroughly enjoyed owning Cottam Post Office and being part of the Cottam community for the past 20 years, and we are so proud of what we have achieved during this time. We have worked hard to create a little emporium for the local area by continually diversifying the business and adding new products and services, to ensure the store was best serving the needs of the local community. Our decision to sell the business is filled with mixed emotions but we feel the time is right for a new owner to take over and build on the store’s profitability.”
Ashley Cobban, Business Agent in Christie & Co’s Retail team is handling the sale and adds, “Cottam Post Office offers a number of opportunities for significant business growth, particularly due to its location in the middle of the nearby housing development, so increased footfall from this alone will see profits escalate. Other opportunities for growth include extending the opening hours, further developing the convenience side, introducing more local or deli produce and reintroducing the liquor licence. We are taking viewings by appointment so please get in touch if you’d like to set up a time to view the property.”
For further information on this press release, contact:
Bronte Hughes, Corporate Communications Executive
P: 020 7448 8849 or E: bronte.hughes@christie.com
Contact the agent:
Ashley Cobban, Business Agent – Retail
P: +44 (0) 7714 138 987
E: ashley.cobban@christie.com
