Rafael Gabriel

It may sound obvious, but so often the secret of success for a business, is finding a gap in the market, which is exactly what Rafael did back in 2014. He had been working as a builder and decorator, based not far from the Triangle, and was frustrated by his inability to buy a pot of paint locally. He also realised that the big DIY retailers, despite their size, or maybe because of it, didn't really provide a very good service. On top of that, he thought it would make sense to run a business where someone could pop in for that pot of paint, but then also get a quote for someone to actually do the decorating, or install the windows, or do the plumbing!
And the plan seems to have worked. In addition to 3 members of staff in the shop, he has 10 sub contractors working on jobs for him. He actually has to turn work down, as he doesn't want to compromise quality. Word of mouth counts for so much in the building trade, so you are only as good as your last job. Recently, we were looking for someone to install secondary glazing in our flat, and windows being Rafael's speciality, his name popped up more than once in local recommendations. I'm pleased to say we are very happy with the results!
Rafael followed in his father's painting and decorating footsteps back home in Poland, before heading to London in 2003. A few years later he moved to West Norwood, where he got lots of work via local estate agents. At weekends he and his family would come up to Crystal Palace for the shopping or a walk in the park, and was instantly captured by the sense of community here, plus it had a Polish deli, so very soon they made their home here. Despite his enthusiasm for the area, the one negative note is that sadly his van has been broken into 4 times in the last couple of years, though not always locally. This problem is of course widespread, but his understandable frustration is not just that this happens, but that there appears to be no attempt by the police to do anything about it, and their lack of visibility making it all the more likely it will happen again.
This is a thriving modern business, but walking into the shop on Church Road, always makes me think of an old fashioned hardware store, with its goods stacked way up to the ceiling. With the bell on the desk, you almost imagine you could summon Ronnie Barker from behind the paint pots. We've lost so many 'old fashioned' shops, so it's good to see this little local revival on Church Road.

Rafael Gabriel

Rafael Gabriel

36 Church Road

Hollybush Stores

It's been almost 27 years since Raju and Daxita Patel took over the Hollybush Stores, coincidentally about the same length of time that the Shah brothers have been running their hardware shop, MacDonalds, around the corner. Their longevity in business here, is testament to their hard work, and the importance of such local stores. Hollybush had previously existed in the terrace of the same name opposite, but had moved to its current location under the previous owner. When the Patels arrived here from their previous premises in Chelsea, they inherited not only the shop, but also an invaluable member of staff, Susan Kieley, who is still there to this day. And in that time, not a huge amount else has changed. Generations of loyal customers continue to shop there, many of whom the Patels remember as children coming in with their parents. That sense of continuity is vital for the wellbeing of any community. Customers love the knowledgable service, and the fact that you can buy a couple of loose nails or picture hooks, rather than a box full.
One of the things that has changed, is that due to the popularity of double glazing, sales of gas fires, which used to be a big part of the business, have now evaporated. It's to be hoped that businesses such as Hollybush and MacDonalds, continue to thrive, and don't go the way of gas fires. Use them or lose them!

Raju Patel behind the counter

Daxita & Raju Patel

24-28 Westow Street

020 8653 1258

MacDonalds (Palace Home & Hardware)

There used to be two MacDonalds in Crystal Palace, and it perhaps came as a surprise to many when the global fast food outlet closed down a few years ago. However, it's great to see the hardware shop of the same name, continuing to thrive.
Many of the posts on this blog have reflected an area which is fast changing. We've seen the opening of wonderful new delis and restaurants, super-cool cafes within vintage stores, vintage stores within pubs,  pubs brought up to date, and even homes, both new, and the most unusual of conversions. But in the rush to 'improve', let's not lose the elements that keep this a functioning town centre. There are parts of London where you can buy designer clothing, Italian furniture and Porsches, but it's almost impossible to buy a pint of milk, let alone mop buckets, ant killer, light bulbs and pyrex ovenware. So I figured it was time to champion the unglamorous world of hardware. In a two part post, next week I will feature Hollybush Stores, but this week we are starting at MacDonalds.
Before the present building at 57 Westow Hill was erected, some may remember the site was apparently a used car lot. Presumably it had been a bomb site since the war. The new building first housed a freezer shop, before becoming a homewards and furniture shop, under the name JR Homecare. Then in 1987, brothers Yogi and Tino Shah took over, and for the last 27 years have run it as MacDonalds. The name followed the brothers from their previous premises in North London. The shop is an extraordinary Aladdin's cave, it's like the internet in physical form. You can buy almost anything, and if they don't have it in stock, they can get it for you. Shops like this may lack the scale, and parking possibilities of an out of town superstore, but actually you're much more likely, with the help of the knowledgable owners,  to find what you want, and at competitive prices. It's not only supermarkets that price check their goods. One of Yogi's biggest joys is when customers find just what they've been searching for, in his shop. And soon customers should be able to find even more, when their new website launches. (Currently under construction by Tim Sharville at Gunpowder Studios). Also coming in September will be a catalogue full of offers delivered to 13.5 thousand homes in the area. So next time you need  something to unblock drains, or put up shelves with, or a food processor, a tv aerial, garden twine, or superglue, or something you haven't even thought of yet, go and speak to Yogi and Tino, they're bound to be able to help!

Yogi Shah

MacDonalds
57 Westow Street
020 8670 0696
Website (under construction)