Two former employees of an iconic hardware shop in Co Fermanagh have returned to take the reins at the business, after it closed down more than two years ago.
Dowlers on Main Street in Lisnaskea first opened its doors in 1923, and almost 100 years later the shop has been given a new lease of life by Mervyn Gregg and Raymond Chartres.
The two men worked in the store for a combined 70 years before it sadly closed its doors in 2019.
The new Dowlers opened its doors on Friday, November 12, and Mervyn said it was a proud moment for the business partners.
“We are both former employees of the previous business and we decided to take it over,” Mervyn told MyFermanagh.
“Raymond and I would have had 70 years between us so that always proves helpful.
“That experience has given us time to build up a rapport with our customers as well.”
A lot of work went into the reopening of the store, which sells everything from homeware to hardware and everything in between.
Mervyn said he was hoping the people of Fermanagh and Lisnaskea will return to the store, with the positive reaction they have received so far encouraging.
“We’re excited and looking forward to it,” he added.
“It’s been a topsy-turvy ride over the last couple of years, a long drawn out process and we’re finally glad to see it opening.
“One thing that has helped to keep us going was the reaction of the public once they heard it was going to open again.
“The public were very supportive and they certainly see it as being a key part of the town.
“It’s been established for so many years and it is held in great affection by those in the community.”
