End of an era for paint shop as 'DIY trends fall'

Carracks owner Simon Bradbury describes running a business as "very stressful" in the current climate

An independent paint shop opened more than 75 years ago is to close due to a drop in the number of customers doing home renovations, its owner said.

Carracks in Sheffield was opened in 1947 by Ben and Joan Carrack - the parents of singer songwriter Paul Carrack, of Mike and the Mechanics.

The musician's older brother John later took over the business in Crookes before he retired and sold it to colleague Simon Bradbury in 2016.

Mr Bradbury said it was a "tough decision" to close, with the move forced by a steady decline in trade - particularly from people carrying out DIY projects.

The 52-year-old, who worked in the shop on the corner of Northfield and Stothard Road for 15 years before taking it over, said it used to be a "bustling" business.

"People who are doing a bit of DIY at home, their own decorating - since Covid that side of the business has just gone," he said.

The shop has been a fixture in the Crookes community since 1947

"Instead of people decorating their homes every one or two years, they're probably doing it maybe every five or six.

"Things are tough for everyone so they can't necessarily afford to spend on luxuries like that."

He continued: "We still get the trades in, but it's the retail side that's gone - the customers who put the cash flow in on a daily basis."

Also a decorator by trade, Mr Bradbury said he had struggled with the closure decision due to its lengthy history.

"I've kept trying to keep it going because you don't want to shut a business like this, but it gets to a point where you're digging a hole and you can't get out of it," he added.

Mr Bradbury says he has "absolutely loved" working in the shop

Mr Bradbury said competition from high street chains was another factor in the move, adding they often lacked the same expertise and knowledge as independents.

"There's very few shops like ours left, maybe one other in Sheffield, and that's really sad," he said.

He said he was still in touch with John Carrack, who supported his decision to close.

International tourists have previously visited the shop due to its connection to Paul Carrack, Mr Bradbury said.

He added: "Working there has meant everything to me, and it's a very sad time, but I have to think of me and my family - it has been very, very stressful over the last two years."

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