"It’s the end of an era."

John Decicco, the man behind John’s DIY & General Store in Sholing, has announced his plans to retire.

The 70-year-old has been running the store on Botany Bay Road with his business partner, Paul Haslett, 57 - nicknamed 'Granville' by his customers - since it opened in 2002.

John started his career as a teenager at Russells of Sholing in South East Road where he did everything an ironmonger was expected to do, from cutting glass to funeral directing.

The store had a loyal following, having been around before brands like B&Q and Wickes had come to Southampton.

But in March, the store will close for good with John enjoying his retirement while Paul will carry on selling wax melts.

Daily Echo: Paul Haslett, 57 and John Decicco, 70Paul Haslett, 57 and John Decicco, 70 (Image: Newsquest, Jose Ramos)

Many customers who knew John followed him when members of the Russell family retired and closed their shop after many years of trading.

He joined his friend Paul who opened the store with him in 2002.

Paul, a former taxi driver, said of John: “He taught me everything I know. I only learned what I know today from the last 20 years working with him.

“We still have loyal customers who have stuck with us, generally speaking, people have been quite sad.”

The dad-of-two revealed the secret of the business' success.

“We built the business of customer service and making sure we treat (customers) well which obviously people appreciate.

“We had a woman in the shop who started crying about it, which was quite sad.

“It’s the end of an era.”

Daily Echo: John’s DIY & General Store in Sholing John’s DIY & General Store in Sholing (Image: Jose Ramos, Newsquest)

Speaking to the Echo, John said: “I have never woken up one day and I thought I have to go to work. I have always enjoyed working here and I will miss it a lot.

“However with my age, it has come to the point where I would like to step back while I still have a kick in me.”

Asked about what he will do to enjoy his retirement, John said: “I haven’t got a clue about what I will do now but I am thinking of maybe buying a three-wheel motorbike.”