Convenience store in North Devon village changes hands after more than 20 years

Well laid out to provide all the everyday essentials required for the local community, the shop sells general produce, hot and cold food-to-go, coffee, and has a deli counter. The property also features an adjacent three-bedroom house. Situated in a countryside location in North Devon, 17 miles north of Okehampton and Dartmoor National Park, the store occupies a central position on the main street running through the village.

The former owners, Keith and Anne Horwell, ran the store for more than 20 years before selling and are now looking forward to retirement.

They said, “It has been a pleasure working and operating the store for so many years. The local community have been great in supporting us and we would like to thank all our loyal customers and staff – some of whom have been great friends for their custom. Of course, all good things come to an end, and we have now decided to take retirement.”

The new owners of South View Stores, brother and sister Bharat Odedra and Bhanuben Odedra, have moved from the Leicestershire area and are looking to enhance the store’s offerings.

Bharat Odedra added, “We are really pleased to have taken over South View Stores and very much look forward to continuing the hard work that Keith and Anne have put in over the years and hope to add and expand on the overall product offering to suit our customers’ needs.”

Matthew McFarlane, Senior Business Agent – Retail & Leisure at Christie & Co, who managed the sale process, commented, “I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Keith and Anne throughout this transaction, and it has been obvious how much they cared about the store and their commitment to serving the local community. I wish Keith and Anne a well-earned break and all the best for the future, and very best of luck to Bharat and Bhanuben with their new venture.”

Funding for the acquisition was arranged by Christie Finance, and insurance for the buyer was provided by Christie Insurance.

Marvin Hatchwell, Account Executive at Christie Insurance, said, “We collaborated with Matthew McFarlane at Christie & Co and Tamara Ryan at Christie Finance to ensure the client had a positive journey, showing that we are not only able to provide a one-stop-shop for all our clients’ needs, but that our level of service is exceptional across the group, to ensure clients receive the best outcome.”

South View Stores was sold at an undisclosed sum.

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