'Great' retail ambassador to shut shop in new year

THE distinctive frontage to Scoots, Suits and Boots

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OLDHAM'S independent quarter has suffered a blow after its ambassador announced that his store will be closing in the new year.

Mick Harwood, owner of Scoots, Suits and Boots and ambassador for the independent quarter, has announced that he will not be renewing the lease on his Yorkshire Street shop, which will shut on Saturday, January 28.

The news comes as a major blow to the Council as Mick became a pioneer for the quarter after it was established in 2012.

And recently, at the 15th Pride in Oldham Awards, Mick received the Freeman Meacher Ambassador Award from Oldham Council for his hard work in promoting the independent quarter within the borough and beyond.

The award recognised his hard work from setting up and organising vintage markets along Yorkshire Street which attracted people from Shrewsbury and Wrexham on scooters, to launching his own IQ Tunes record store.

The store, which sells retro and Mod clothing in store and online, moved to Yorkshire Street from Waterloo Mill in 2014 after a £6,000 building improvement grant from Oldham Council was offered to help renovate the premises.

It was the first-ever grant from the council's £1 million investment fund to attract traders to the town centre's new independent quarter.

After making his decision, Mick took to Facebook to announce the closure and urge those with gift vouchers to use them.

He said: "After much soul searching over Christmas, I have decided not to renew the lease on the shop, when it comes due in a few weeks. So, I will be closing the shop for good on Saturday January 28."

Mick added: "As the future beyond that is shrouded in doubt, we will not be ordering any new stock, for now.

"So please can anyone with a gift voucher please come in and grab your goodies, whilst our stock is reasonably OK.

"All our stock on the shop floor will be discounted 25 per cent until we close. So grab a bargain while you can."

He added: "On a brighter note, thank you for everyone's support over the last eight years... I've had an exciting ride and it's been a blast."

Facebook users offered their support and sadness at the news upon reading the post.

Nikki Gleave wrote: "Sad to hear this, hard times all round for many people. Wish you all the best for the future and you've always been a great ambassador for the town."

Peter Percival said: "Heartbreaking Mick, Oldham will never be the same again, you've done everything and more. It's so hard working for yourself but there's always an upside to a down and wishing you every success in the future."

Graham Lambert wrote: "Sorry to hear this, you certainly gave it a go and brought a touch of class to a corner of Oldham."