AN IRVINE High Street business has come onto the property market as its owner looks to retire.

The Hardware store in the town centre, which includes a Post Office franchise, is now looking for someone to take over the leasehold - or even purchase the property.

The Post Office facility is the only one within the town centre area of Irvine - with the nearest facility to this over two miles away in Bourtreehill.

The Hardware Store, which has been part of the High Street make-up for around two decades, is hoping whoever takes on the shop will also continue to operate the franchise.

The store has been listed online for an annual leasehold price of £19,995 - or weekly rent of £395.

And though the listing states that the owner is looking for a new leaseholder to operate the same business - it adds that there is an "option to buy the property".
 

However, no sale prive is listed within the adverisement.

The advertisment also states that the "stock can be depleted if committed buyer wishes to change the stock offering".

It adds: "We believe if a proper convenience store was established with a symbol group the potential would be endless with high footfall due to main Post Office."

It continues to state that the store would also benefit from an in-store bakery and increased opening hours, though the current owner has never explored this avenue due to other commitments.

The Post Office provides remuneration of £53,000 for operating the franchise and the incoming postmaster will receive one month salary (amounting to £5000 approximately) upon entry - assuming the franchise is kept on.

Current business rates for the store are listed as £9,500 per anum, and turnover during this period is noted as being approximately £120,000.

The business currently operates from Monday-Friday from 9am until 4pm, and from 9am-1pm on Saturdays. It employees two people in full-time roles, and one in a part-time capacity.

it is unclear how long the store will remain listed on the market, though the advertisement states that the owner is "selling cheap in the hope of a quick sale".

The property listing can be found in full here.