ONE of Manchester's first 'discount superstores' for white goods and gas fires will shut its doors for the final time today after 40 years of trading.

The Great Range Warehouses, in Whalley Range, has prided itself on supplying the most competitively priced appliances ever since it opened in April, 1968.

Founder Jim Thornbury, 68, says he has mixed emotions as he drops the shutters for the final time tonight.

"It's the end of an era and the saddest part for me will be saying goodbye to all the wonderful people I've met and worked with down the years," said Jim.

"In my opinion, the company was one of Manchester's first discount superstores - and I feel an enormous sense of pride about its success. But things move on, and I've decided that the time is now right to retire.

"Part of the Withington Road site has been bought by a major retail chain, while another part will be turned into shop units by a firm of developers."

Borrowed

The first Range Warehouse was opened in Whalley Range's College Road, after Jim borrowed £700 to start the company. He moved the business to the current site in Withington Road in 1999. Jim subsequently opened other branches in Warrington and Failsworth - both of which he shut three years ago as he began thinking about retirement.

Trade peaked in 1998, when the company achieved sales of £7m and employed 45 staff. "It's a totally different world everyone is trading in now, and I'm constantly having people tell me that they can get things cheaper on the internet," he said.

"I've always done my best to match the best price, and I think that another reason for our success has been because we've always provided excellent customer service."

Dublin-born Jim moved to Manchester in 1957 and worked as an electrical contractor for companies in Trafford Park. It was around this time he met his future wife, Margaret - who died five years ago - with whom he had five children.

"I've been incredibly lucky in my life to discover a career in which I was utterly content, and I'm now looking forward to spending time with my five grandchildren," he said.

"One of the first things I intend to do is head off to Australia, where one of my daughters will be giving birth to my sixth grandchild next month."