Stow Shop & Post Office, 13 Townfoot, Stow, TD1 2QN

An excellent opportunity to acquire a well‑established, licensed village shop, prominently and centrally located within a vibrant and well‑supported rural community. The business benefits from a diverse retail offer and strong local engagement, supporting sustainable long‑term trading.
The principal features include:

• Established village convenience store serving both local residents and passing trade
• Broad and complementary retail range, including groceries, stationery, greeting cards, toys and household essentials
• Dedicated Post Office counter, driving consistent footfall and reinforcing the shop’s role as a community hub
• Additional income streams, including Amazon Hub and National Lottery services
• Unopposed village position, supporting regular custom and repeat trade
• Attractive Listed building situated within a designated conservation area, offering character and visual appeal
• Prominent central village location, ensuring strong visibility and accessibility

Prospective purchasers should note that, as a Listed property, any material alterations or reconfiguration may be subject to planning and conservation consents.
Overall, this represents a rare opportunity to acquire a long‑standing village business combining commercial sustainability with heritage charm, positioned at the heart of its community and offering continued potential for successful trading.

Stow is an established Borders village, located approximately 7 miles north of Galashiels and 25 miles south of Edinburgh. The property occupies a prominent position on the A7 trunk road, benefiting from direct connectivity and regular passing traffic.
The village benefits from a Borders Railway station, reopened in 2015, offering regular services to Edinburgh and Tweedbank. The centrally located station, which includes an on‑site bar, generates additional footfall from commuters, visitors and day‑trippers.
Stow supports a stable residential population and acts as a local service hub for surrounding rural areas, with key amenities underpinning consistent convenience and Post Office trade.
Key highlights:

• Prominent A7 roadside position
• Borders Railway station within the village
• Strong footfall from commuters, visitors and tourists
• Primary school and health centre supporting daily local trade
• Nearby golf courses and leisure attractions
• Proven village trading environment

Overall, Stow represents a well‑established village trading location, supported by local residents, passing motorists and visitors, making it ideally suited to a Post Office and convenience retail operation.

The premises offers a well‑presented and efficiently arranged layout, ideally suited to convenience retail and Post Office trading, with flexibility for future operators.
Key features and benefits include:

• Bright front main retail area with strong customer appeal
• Central gondola with perimeter shelving, freezers and chillers
• Spacious service counter providing a secure and effective point of sale
• Behind‑counter storage for tobacco, vapes and alcohol
• Dedicated rear retail area housing the Post Office counter
• Additional display space for cards, toys and gifts
• Private office and storeroom adjacent to the Post Office
• Further rear storage including staff bathroom
Cellar access with serviceable, currently unused storage potential

Overall, the layout supports efficient day‑to‑day trading while offering scope for re‑merchandising and operational enhancement.

We have been advised that all trade fixtures and fittings are owned outright and included within the sale/purchase.

The shop premises form ground and basement levels of a three story brick build tenement building.

This is a Listed building within a conservation area.

An excellent opportunity to acquire an unopposed village convenience store with an established Post Office contract, located within the popular and sought‑after Borders village of Stow. The business occupies a central role within the local community and benefits from a stable and diversified trading base.
The principal features and benefits include:

• Unopposed village convenience store serving a loyal local catchment with minimal direct competition
• Established Post Office contract, generating consistent footfall and reinforcing its position as a key community hub
• Offered with a new long‑term lease, providing security of tenure and a strong footing for continued trading
• Well‑positioned to capture local and passing trade, including residents, commuters and visitors to the area
• Scope for growth and improvement, subject to consents, through internal refresh and re‑merchandising
• Potential for symbol group affiliation, offering improved buying terms, brand recognition and promotional support
• Opportunities to increase turnover, including extended opening hours, range expansion and additional services
• Strong community focus, with the business playing a vital role in village life
• Ideal for owner‑operators or lifestyle purchasers seeking a sustainable rural business with long‑term potential

Overall, this represents a rare and attractive opportunity to acquire a well‑established village business offering trading security, community engagement and future growth potential within a highly desirable rural location.

The business is supported by a dedicated team of five staff members, not including the owner. Among them, two are fully trained to carry out the complete range of Post Office services, ensuring continuity and expertise in this key area of the operation.

For prospective buyers, a full anonymized staff report can be made available upon request, offering detailed insights into roles, responsibilities, and experience levels.

Any transfer of ownership will be subject to the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations (TUPE), ensuring that the rights of any remaining staff are preserved throughout the transition.

Full business accounts can be shared post viewing stage.

Turnover for year end 31.03.25 was 341,315 with adjusted net profit at 35,540. Post Office commission at £21,050 for same period.

Shop
Monday to Friday 6.00am - 5.30pm
Saturday - 6.00am - 4.00pm
Sunday - 8.00am - 11.00am

Post Office Counter
Monday to Friday - 9.00am - 5.30pm
Saturday - 9.00am - 12.30pm
Sunday - Closed

Offered as a new lease with goodwill value at £75,000. Lease term negotiable.

Rental £12,000 per annum.

Stock at valuation at point of entry.

The current Rateable Value as of 1 April 2023 is £4,050. This is subject to status and all interested parties are advised to check with the relevant local Authority.

Alcohol Licence