Tributes Paid To Market Harborough Shopkeeper Jim Gilbert

Tributes are being paid to a much-loved Market Harborough shopkeeper who has been remembered as a brilliant retailer and local legend.

Lifelong Harborough resident Jim Gilbert ran Frank Gilbert Housewares for more than 50 years, following the opening of the shop by his parents in 1948.

Jim, who was working at the shop until recently, died yesterday aged 78 after contracting pneumonia while battling prostate cancer, which had spread to his bones.

The traditional housewares and hardware shop became a much-loved fixture on the High Street, with generations of customers describing it as an “Aladdin’s cave” packed with stock.

Jim Gilbert outside his shop Pic: Andy Carpenter

Jim’s family said: “He was so brave till the end and we miss him so much. He loved his little shop and his lovely customers and I know you will all keep his family in your thoughts during this very difficult time.”

Tributes shared following his death have highlighted Jim’s knowledge, kindness and dedication to his customers.

One person said: “There will never be another shop like his – it was an Aladdin’s cave – and he will be much missed.”

Cllr Phil Knowles was also a customer of the shop and paid tribute to Jim:

Another customer described Jim as “a lovely man who always put his customers first and went above and beyond”.

Others remembered visiting the shop as children, with one saying it was “so much of the fabric of Market Harborough” and recalling looking around in awe at all the things it seemed to contain.

Another tribute said: “He knew exactly where everything was in his shop and it was never too much trouble to fetch it.”

Jim was working at the shop until recently

Jim was also praised for his expertise and the personal service he provided, with one customer saying he was “so knowledgeable about his product range” and provided a service that people were prepared to wait for.

A further customer described him as “a truly kind, helpful, caring gentleman” who always greeted customers with a smile.

One tribute summed up the feelings of many, describing Jim as “a brilliant retailer and a local legend”.

Jim’s death marks the loss of a familiar face from Market Harborough’s High Street, with many customers saying he and his shop will be greatly missed.

Jim’s family have asked for privacy at this difficult time.