Seymour Timber and Hardware has been sold

“On one hand I’m really looking forward to retirement, but on the other I really enjoyed my time with the staff and customers,” he said.

Mr Bower moved to Mitchell Shire 30 years ago to raise a family and was keen to work for himself after a career in the public service.

He wanted to do something local in an industry he enjoyed and took the opportunity to purchase Broadford Timber and Hardware in 1996.

Ten years later he purchased two hardware stores in Seymour and combined them into the current store on Anzac Ave.

Mr Bower is also looking to part with the Broadford store and hopes to sell it as a going concern.

“It will be up for sale if a good price is offered. The stores are my superannuation, so I’m looking for the right offer,” he said.

“I want to thank the community for their loyal support through the years. We haven’t got a closing date yet, but the Seymour store will likely be trading until May or June.

“I also want to thank the staff I’ve had through the years. They have supported me and always looked after our customers.”

While he will be technically retired, Mr Bower has no plans to slow down.

“I’ve still got plenty of work to do. I can finally catch up on all the things I’ve been putting off around the house,” he said.

“I will miss the two stores, but I’ve been thinking about retirement for a while and I think now is the right time.”

A clearing sale will be held at Seymour Timber and Hardware before the store closes. The details will be published in The Telegraph at a later date.

Mr Bower was unsure of the building’s future use but The Telegraph confirmed it has been purchased by an interest connected to Kilmore and Seymour Toyota.

It plans to repurpose the property subject to approval from Mitchell Shire Council.