A popular hardware store owner on Armley Town Street has sold his shop after more than 20 years of business.
Mustafa Jamali, 52, had been trading for just over 20 years, but decided to sell the shop after growing tired of commuting from his home in Manchester for the past four years. He said he had enjoyed his time in Armley and thanked his loyal customers:
“I want to thank old and new customers for supporting me over the past 20 years.You all are all such wonderful people and I could not have done without you. I will miss you all.
“Just wanted to add, the shop is still open and will be run by new owners. I hope you will support them as you did me.”
Jamalis will stay open, but with a new name.
Mr Jamali’s announcement has been met with sadness by commenters on the Armley Good Stuff Facebook page, with several labelling it ‘the best shop in Armley’. One said:
“So gutted. Every time someone said they needed something the answer was always go to Jamalis. I wish you the best of luck for the future.”
Another added:
“Sorry to hear that as it’s a brilliant shop and you always seem to have everything we need. Wishing you every success if you have a new venture and good luck and good health to you and your family.”
And another regular said:
“This is very sad news. I’ve been coming to your shop for lots of years and you’ve always been helpful and always had what I needed. I found you a really nice person. Good luck to you and your family, wherever you are. Keep safe.”
In recent weeks it’s been announced the Boots branch in Town Street will close. Card Factory and Wilson’s butchers have also closed their shops following lockdown.
Speaking to The Dispatch in March, Mr Jamali spoke of his future hopes for Armley Town Street. He said:
“I think [Armley has a] bad press but the council are doing their bit. It’s the same as every other town really. We need more variety in terms of shops and a car park which people know about would be useful. We do not need more off-licences, we need things to attract families, like shoe shops, clothing shops.”
Further reading:
- Armley bids to regain its lost reputation – will it succeed?
- Open letter: “We want Armley Town Street to be a safe, clean, thriving local centre”