So… how to describe Lion Stores.
To the un-initiated it may seem a little random, some may even say slightly chaotic and to certain extent they may be right. However, beneath this perceived chaos is Derek Knapman; a man who knows the exact whereabouts every nook and cranny of this South Bristol institution.
To use a film analogy, Lion Stores is a little bit like Olivanders from Harry Potter… that is if Olivander didn’t just sell wands but nuts, bolts, paraffin lanterns, 35mm film, brooms, garden gnomes and pretty much anything else you can think of!
Lion Stores is quite literally packed from floor to ceiling with all manner of items, making Derek the best person to know when you’re in a tight spot. This has, in turn, given Derek the highly appropriate and much deserved accolade of Bedminster’s fourth emergency service.
This accolade hasn’t been laid at Derek’s feet lightly, in his own words knowledge is power, and this is a man with some knowledge!
It’s a strange other worldly knowledge which Derek possesses, a kind of savant ability to be able to come up with a fix for pretty much anything. Just go and see Derek with a problem; perhaps your Christmas lights aren’t working properly, you’ve got a leaky tap that just keeps persisting, or you’re after something to make sure the Turkey won’t dry out on Christmas day… you can be certain Derek will have a solution!
The tale of Lion Stores goes back over 180 years, when it first served the area as an ironmongers. However, the Lion Stores we know and love today got its start in 1972, when Derek’s father purchased the shop after being made redundant from Imperial Tobacco. The 70’s was a different time here and Derek, despite only being a child, can vividly remember the boarding up windows of the high street.
We couldn’t really imagine North Street without Derek, as it’s these kinds of invaluable individuals and stores that are of huge benefit to local communities.
So this Christmas if you’re in a pickle and looking for some Brillo pads, a turkey baster, batteries and some self-tapping screws and a Christmas tree… then you need to go and see Derek!
You can find Lion Stores at 219 North Street, BS3 1JJ
Lion Stores: https://www.facebook.com/lionstores
Tel: 0117 966 7233