Furniture salesman retires after 26 years

A furniture salesman plans to devote more time to fishing and his family as he retires after 26 years in the business.

Peter Short, aged 64, who joined Fairway Furniture’s Newton Abbot store in March 1988, retired on Saturday (June 28).

Peter said: “Quite a lot has changed since I joined in 1988, the store is now so much bigger and many people have come and gone. When you have been working all your life and you look back over the years, I know it’s the right time for me to stop.

“I’m looking forward to spending more time with my wife Gill. We’ve been married 42 years and she retired 12 months ago, so now we’ll both be able to do a lot more together, including going on more holidays, which we love.”

Peter and Gill have two children, son Andrew and daughter Mandy, and eight grandchildren, all living within a ten-minute walk.

Peter added: “I’m looking forward to spending more time with the family and going fishing with my son’s two eldest boys who love it. It will also be nice to be able to have the time to do more impromptu things such as family barbecues without worrying about time.”

Peter Harding, managing director of Fairway Furniture’s four Devon and Cornwall stores, said: “Peter joined us 26 years ago and in that time has seen both the company and the furniture industry change dramatically. Always one to offer customers that personal touch, Peter has been a tremendous asset to the business and leaves big shoes for us to fill.

“On behalf of all the directors and owners of the business I would like to wish him a happy and peaceful retirement with his wife Gill.”