A LOCAL businessman has saved an iconic sporting goods shop from closure following the previous owners' retirement plans. 

Paul Wasilkowski, who is a co-owner of Carlisle's Boyd Hair & Beauty, took over Chivers Sports Carlisle on April 5 - the exact place where he bought his first football boots. 

The family business, dating back to 1945 on Abbey Street, had announced their 'heavy-hearted' decision to retire in January last year.

Despite some interest, no concrete offers had been made until Paul got into a conversation with the former co-owner Stuart Goodman. 

“I seem to stumble into businesses when people are going to retire but this came from a chance conversation with Stuart," Paul said. 

“I’ve had a café before, hairdressers now, I’m in here now for the next six months to learn the job from the ground upwards." 

You'll still be able to catch familiar faces, Stuart Goodman and Malcolm Brodie, as they help get Paul settled into his new role. 

Following the successful takeover, Paul said the response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive.

"The response I’ve had from people I know, and on social media, has been phenomenal.

"People are sending good luck cards and that it’s fantastic Chivers will remain open," he said. 

Whilst the shop undergoes a slight refurb, Paul looks to expand the store's running specialty offering as well as grow their online presence. 

The new direction hopes to offer even more in the way of running accessories like hats, gloves, jackets, shoes, bottles and watches.

"The guys here, their knowledge is unmatched, whether that be on gait analysis and running styles it is is second to none – that’s what we’ll build on.

"The new direction involves expansion in running accessories like hats, gloves, jackets, shoes, bottles and watches.

“I’ve only been here ten days and yesterday we had someone from Cambridge come in who bought his trainers in here 9 years ago and someone from Lincolnshire who bought them here 10 years ago, I thought that was amazing.

"The running community is small but the word gets around and the Chivers name within the running community is highly regarded," Paul said.