Beloved Greater Manchester store hailed 'proper Aladdin's cave' to close after more than 30 years

A family-run store in Greater Manchester hailed as an institution for its prominence for more than 30 years is to close at the end of the week.

The owners of hardware store Yu & Me, on Buxton Road in Stockport, have announced they will be closing its doors on Sunday (January 5) after its lease has run out ahead of Co-op taking over the site.

Earlier this year, it was announced that planning permission for a 4,300 sq ft Co-op store had been approved - which would see the demolition of its current Heaton Moor premises and the hardware shop.

Run by a man lovingly referred to in the area as Mr Yu, the DIY and hardware store has been described online as an 'Aladdin's cave' full of bits and pieces and has served the Stockport community for more than three decades.

Posting on social media after Christmas, Mr Yu’s son Warner, who also runs the shop, wrote: “Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and has a Great new year, All the best to all our wonderful Customers.

“Sorry but we will be closing down on the 5th of January 2025 as our lease has finally run out, The Great Yu and Me Sale is now on until then, Wish you all the best And thank You for everything.”

The news was met with disappointment from some of Yu & Me’s regular customers - with many describing it as the ‘end of an era’. One person wrote: “Oh no this isn't what I wanted to read, what will I do without you guys, my heart is broken, at least your dad will be able to relax, he is a wonderful man, end of a special era.”

Another said: "Awww we gonna miss you guys so much when we need from a nail to a bulb thanks for your custom and we will always remember YU And Me.” One other customer posted: "You can’t close! What a shame! You and me has been part of our lives over the