A long-established North Yorkshire newsagent has changed hands after more than six decades in the same family, marking the end of an era for a well-known retail fixture in Easingwold.
Towlers Ltd, a traditional newsagent and greetings card shop in the market town, has been sold following 60-plus years of ownership by the Rushton family. The business was acquired by experienced Yorkshire convenience retailers Mr and Mrs Rasamohan, in a deal handled by specialist business property adviser Christie & Co.
The sale brings to a close the Rushton family’s long association with high street retail in North Yorkshire. Towlers is the last of several family-run stores sold by Christie & Co on their behalf in recent years, following disposals in Pateley Bridge, Kirkbymoorside and Thirsk.
Located in a prominent position in Easingwold, Towlers has built a loyal local following as a traditional newsagent, offering newspapers, magazines and tobacco alongside greetings cards, confectionery, quality toys, jigsaws and gifts. The property also includes first-floor office and residential accommodation, adding to its appeal for owner-operators.
The business was placed on the market as former owner Joe Rushton steps back from retail to focus on growing the family’s specialist jigsaw business.
Commenting on the sale, Rushton said: “After 65 years as a family-run business, it feels like the right moment to pass things on. I would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who’s supported us over the years – it has meant the world to us. I would also like to wish Mohan and Nanthini all the very best for the future.”
Christie & Co director of retail Andrew Birnie, who managed the sale alongside colleague Steve Riley from the firm’s Leeds office, said interest in the store was strong.
“Stores like this in sought-after villages in North Yorkshire rarely come to the market,” he said. “This was snapped up quickly, with lots of interest from buyers across the country. We’re really pleased to have got the sale across the line.”
Towlers Ltd was marketed with an asking price of £600,000 and was sold for an undisclosed sum.