JS Cards is one of the longest running stalls in Barrow Market, and Jim Myerscough has been at the helm for the last 36 years serving generations of customers with cards for all occasions, wrapping paper, gift tags, christening gifts, invitations and much more.

This Saturday will be Jim’s last full day on the stall as he’s retiring, freeing up more time to do the things he enjoys away from the everyday hustle and bustle of the market. It’s a break that he’s definitely earned, with the stall only being closed for 3 days in the last 36 years!

When it was announced he was stepping down he was inundated with calls from concerned customers panicking that the stall was closing down for good, but rest assured, the stall is in more than capable hands, as Jim’s daughter Lynne will be taking over the day to day running of the stall; making her the 3^rd generation of the family to do so (Jim’s mother originally ran the card store)

Lynne has always helped out at the stall from a young age, working in the market when back from university, on holidays, and has also helped out to cope with the Christmas rush; so she’s a familiar face for the many, many regular customers the stall sees. It’s a fresh challenge for Lynne, and one she’s really looking forward to.

Jim has seen a lot of comings and goings at the market over the years, but JS Cards has stood the test of time. The market provides a place for people to not just shop, but to meet up and socialise too. Jim has loved getting to know his customers over the years, being able to chat with them and have some great banter.

Jim puts the longevity of the business down to hard work, and the right attitude, yes, in business you have good times; some very good times, but you also have quiet times where you don’t do as well as you’d like. JS Cards has never panicked or thrown the towel in, they’ve outlasted many businesses over the years, and you don’t survive for as long as they have on just good luck.

Having been in the market for so long he now sees and serves adults who he remembers coming in to the stall as children with their parents years ago. That’s what a great business should be, something that not only stands the test of time but is somewhere that is part of the community, a place that draws you back time and time again. Yes you can find cards elsewhere, but you won’t get the sort of service you get at JS Cards anywhere else!

So what now for Jim? Well he’s looking forward to taking things a little easier, maybe catching a show or two in Manchester or maybe even London, and well, old habits die hard don’t they? Rest assured, he won’t be staying away from the market for good – he’ll still be coming in from time to time to keep in touch and catch up with everyone.

We, and everyone at Barrow Market Hall wish Jim all the best in his retirement, it’s well deserved, and good luck to Lynne. Here’s to another 36 years of JS Cards!