Devon retailer exits Ivybridge following recent closure of Tavistock branch

A long-established Devon retailer has announced the sale of its Ivybridge store, marking another major change for the family business following the recent closure of its Tavistock branch.

In a post shared to Facebook, Lawsons said new owners of their Ivybridge store would continue operating the shop for local customers.

“Lawsons are pleased to share that the Ivybridge store has been sold as a going concern to Ravi and Preeti Kumar.

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“They will continue serving the community under the new name Ivybridge Discounts, bringing in a wide range of new products at great prices.”

The company added that no redundancies will be made.

“We’re also happy to confirm that all current staff will remain, so you’ll continue to see the familiar faces who have supported you over the years.”

Lawsons first opened in Ivybridge in 2006 after taking over the former Whitfields Home Hardware shop and said it had “truly valued” its two decades in the town.

Managing Director Liz Lawson thanked customers for their support and expressed confidence in the new owners.

“We are deeply grateful to all our regular customers who have supported us throughout the years,” she said.

“It has been a privilege to be part of the Ivybridge community. I’m delighted to have found a like-minded family to take on the business, and I’m confident they will continue to serve the town with the same care. I wish them every success for the future.”

To mark their first week of trading, Ivybridge Discounts is offering 10 per cent off across the store.

The change comes just weeks after The Moorlander reported that the Tavistock branch would shut its doors after more than three decades of trading.

Residents responding to Lawsons’ social media post expressed mixed but largely supportive views.

Many said they were sad to see the Lawsons name disappear after years in the town, describing the shop as a “wonderful” business.

One person wrote, “Sad to see Lawsons go, but glad it will continue,” while another said it was an “end of an era.”

Others welcomed the news that the shop will remain open with existing staff, with one commenting it was “better than it becoming another store closed.”

Some raised concerns about the ‘Ivybridge Discounts’ branding, saying “the new name is not so good”, though many wished the new owners success.

One resident said she had already visited the store and purchased “two new blazers”, easing fears that uniforms might no longer be sold.

Following the Ivybridge sale and the Tavistock closure, the business now operates a single remaining store in Totnes, alongside its online retail operation.