The Jones family, who have run F. A. Jones Ltd decorating supplies shop since 1951, have decided to close their business due to retirement and added pressure from multiple competitors.

F. A. Jones Ltd was first incorporated in 1951 by husband and wife Fredrick and Phyllis Jones. After dabbling in several ventures, Mr and Mrs Jones finally settled in the wallpaper and paint retail industry, where three of their children – Gerald, Jennifer and Brian – eventually joined them.

Son Brian Jones told DIY Week, “The shop on Penarth Road in Grangetown [was] so well-established that customers flocked from all over South Wales as well as all the local customers. Both Fred and Gloria worked hard to create a thriving business and they instilled in their offspring the work hard ethic.

“As you can see [from photo, below] sale time created a huge response [and] I think it is fair to say the shop is the only wallpaper and paint store to generate a queue at sale day, even when the snow was on the ground.”

The Jones family went on to open as many as seven shops in Cardiff, located in Clare Road, Whitchurch Road, Clifton Street, Cowbridge Road, Albany Road, James Street, and of course the original premises in Penarth Road. Eventually they condensed the business into one 6,000sq ft store.

“In those early years, the shop was home to some 14 staff,” added Mr Jones. “It's hard to believe that today it is run by only four – a sign of the times. The introduction of the multi-nationals have taken their toll on the independent retail industry.”

The shop is run today by brothers Gerald and Brian, who, both having passed retirement age, have taken the difficult decision to take a step down.