Sean’s Weblog

The old Carmichaels has undergone a major refurbishment and customers are now greeted with a bright and pleasant local shop.

Local shop owner Wasim and his family have invested time and money to ensure the people of Coldstream continue to receive value for money and have a local shop with better facilities. 

Carmichaels closed it’s doors on the 11th of February for 10 days whilst a major refurbishment of the premises took place. 

Although the shop opened it’s doors on Monday 22nd, it was officially opened by local MSP John Lamont (who kindly provided the photographs) with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday 24th Feb. 

The opening was attended by local patrons of the shop who were greeted with a buffet and a glass of wine (or 2) to celebrate the fantastic achievement. 

Even shoppers who called in to shop during the ceremony were greeted by Wasim, and being a true 

salesman, he guided them to the buffet or offered them a tray of food or a drink during their visit. 

He did slip out on occasion though, but only to take plates of food to owners of other local shops who couldn’t attend. 

The conversation was primarily about the new shop, and everyone agreed that the transformation to the Carmichaels they had known for so long, had not only made the premises look bigger, but the shelving made it easier to reach the products. 

However, the conversation was dominated by expressions of how pleasant, hardworking and friendly Wasim, his family and all the staff are. 

I wholly agree with this and would also add, what a fantastic chef Naureen is! and live in hope that her meals will soon be seen on the shelves in Carmichaels. 

Many commented on the new chillers, that accommodated a range of soft drinks, beers and wines and all were very happy to see the change to the old shop. 

Wasim and Family moved to Coldstream from Glasgow less than 6 months ago, and have quickly earned a place in the hearts of many Coldstreamers and forged solid friendships. This blog follows on from a previous blog that highlighted the importance of local business during the time Coldstream was cut off by the snow, when the larger corporations like Co-op failed to obtain supplies of milk, fresh bread, fresh fruit & veg and fresh meat, it was the local business that came through for us. 

I would also like to congratulate G.J Sanderson our local butcher on winning top awards for their Haggis & Black Pudding Pie and their Steak Pie. Out of 83 contestants, our butchers won joint first. Starting off with 100 points they lost only two points, resulting in 98 points for their product. 

And this also highlights the commitment our local business’ have to our continued custom.  Carmichaels has not only undergone an expensive refurbishment but a change of supplier to ensure that prices maintain to be competitive and affordable. Our butcher has gone to great expense to ensure their product is proven to be at the top of it’s class. 

Our small local business’ do a great deal behind the scenes to attract our attention and favour our custom, I for one have noticed and I am applauding their loyalty to me, a local.

Business, Coldstream, Scottish Borders