A Bargoed pet shop that has been part of the community for more than 60 years has closed its doors for the final time.
B Thomas Pet and Garden Supplies was established in Bargoed in 1950 by Len Collins, whose father, David “Bob” Collins, had run a corn merchant business in Dowlais and Merthyr Tydfil since 1924.
Len worked in the family business before moving his own young family to Bargoed to set up on his own, initially starting off in High Street before later moving to the current premises in Hanbury Road. His eldest son, Peter, took on the shop in 1972.
Now Peter, 66, is retiring and the shop closed on November 1.
The younger Mr Collins, speaking before the final day, said: “It’s time for myself and my wife, Joy, to call it a day and retire, but we will be very sad indeed to see B Thomas close.
“We have many customers who have been loyal to us over several decades, and a team of staff past and present who are like family.
“Over the years the business evolved from a corn merchant into a pet and garden shop, and we have been a must-visit for several generations of Bargoed children who would call in to see the animals.
“It has been a difficult decision to close the doors – it’s the end of an era. I’d like to thank all of our loyal customers who have made the shop a landmark in Bargoed for 64 years.”
Mr Collins said: “These are exciting times for Bargoed, with the recently completed new development around the Morrisons store, lots of improvement work in the town centre and other things in the pipeline.
“I hope that another business will soon breathe new life into our shop premises and thrive there for at least another 60 years.”
