Mayor Officially Opens New Hardware Store in Hailsham Town Centre

Hailsham Town Mayor, Councillor Chris Bryant, officially opened a new independent hardware store in the heart of the town on Saturday [11 July], welcoming a valuable new addition to Hailsham’s High Street.

The Mayor joined staff, invited guests and local residents for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the opening of Hailsham Hardware, a new department within the well-established Fish Around and Pets Around store at 5 High Street.

The opening comes at an important time for the town, following the recent closure of another hardware retailer, helping to ensure that residents continue to have access to a wide range of essential DIY and home maintenance products without needing to travel elsewhere.

Hailsham Hardware stocks an extensive range of tools, DIY essentials, plumbing and electrical supplies, decorating materials and gardening products, alongside offering domestic appliance repairs and Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) services.

Councillor Chris Bryant said: “I’m delighted to officially open Hailsham Hardware and welcome another independent business investment into our town centre. Local hardware stores provide an invaluable service to residents, tradespeople and businesses alike, and it’s particularly pleasing to see this gap in the market being filled so quickly.”

“Independent retailers are the backbone of our High Street and play a vital role in keeping our town centre vibrant and attractive. I wish Tracey and her team every success and would encourage residents to support this fantastic new business by shopping locally whenever they can.”

Hailsham Hardware has been launched by proprietors Duncan Froude and Tracey Buchan, along with Marc Waldron, who saw an opportunity to expand the existing Fish Around and Pets Around business by introducing a dedicated hardware department offering everyday essentials and practical services for local customers.

Tracey Buchan said: “We’ve had a wonderful response from the public since announcing the opening of our hardware department and we’re incredibly grateful for all the support we’ve received from the local community. We recognised there was a real need for a hardware shop in Hailsham following the recent closure of yet another retailer, so we’re delighted to be able to provide that service once again.”

“Whether people are looking for DIY supplies, decorating materials, gardening products or plumbing and electrical essentials, we want to offer friendly advice, good value and convenient local shopping. Also we are taking suggestions as to what our customers want to see in the shop.”

“It was an honour to welcome the Mayor to officially open the store, and we’re looking forward to serving the community for many years to come.”

Alongside its new hardware department, Fish Around and Pets Around continues to offer its extensive range of aquatics and pet supplies, including aquariums, pond equipment, pet food, treats, toys, accessories, wild bird and domestic bird feed and reptile food and products, together with tropical and cold-water fish, frogs and baby turtles.

Hailsham Town Council has welcomed the investment as a positive boost for the town centre and continues to encourage residents to support local independent businesses, recognising the important contribution they make to the local economy and community.

Hailsham Hardware is open Monday to Saturday, 9am to 4pm.