Young Ayr store owner shortlisted for Best Business award after focus on pandemic community
A pioneering young trader is in the running for a prestigious award because of his enthusiastic way of working and his commitment to helping the community.
Lewis Costley, 22, runs Oceans Stores in the Port of Ayr and was nominated for ‘Best Independent Retailer’ at the 2021 Ayrshire Business Retail Awards.
The businessman who employs two employees – Lewis Glass and Erin Watson – in his store near high-rise oceanfront buildings has given back to his local community since opening in April 2019, but even more during the pandemic.
Lewis, who lives in Ayr, said he was “really happy” to receive the letter in the mail regarding the award nomination.
He said: “I was in the store myself and I was a little emotional at the time.
“You don’t do things for recognition, but it was nice to see that you are appreciated.
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“It was nice to see that you are doing something right. “
Throughout the pandemic, Lewis and his team have offered free grocery shopping and kept spirits up on social media, including fun competitions and showing customers where their eggs come from by visiting the supplier of the farm.
Lewis said: “It’s been a tough time for people so being able to help has been great.
“When the lockdown started, we were doing free grocery deliveries.
“Anyone who needed to self-isolate could call us and we would prepare their groceries for the two weeks, then go through and leave the bags at their door.
Regarding the eggs, Lewis said, “I really wanted to see where the eggs came from, so I think it’s important to show that.
“It was really good to see the chickens and the farm, and to get a glimpse into their lives and from the supplier’s perspective.
The businessman has also helped keep Ayr Beach clean by introducing a garbage collection initiative where patrons can fill a bucket with trash in exchange for free juice or ice lolly.
He said: “I saw the condition of the beaches and we went down one day to pick up the litter. There are some things in the store that no one else in town is selling and some of the waste came from our store.
“We thought it was bad enough so we cleaned it up but we don’t have time to keep doing it; so we thought how can we motivate others to do it? “
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