That great hardware institution of Port Erin, Ken Quine’s, is decamping to the Cherry Orchard.

But the move is ’probably’ temporary, explained shop manager Kevin Skitt and only until refurbishment of its current Station Road premises is complete.

’How long we will be there depends on how much renovation needs doing,’ he said. ’We’re at the Cherry Orchard for six months.’

Moving the contents is no small task as the shop has an incredible 11,000 items on its stocklist computer system.

In its 40 years the shop has gained a reputation for meeting even the most obscure needs.

’The amount of times people come in and say: "I know you won’t have this, but I say: "Yes we do",’ said Kevin.

The new premises in what was Chequers means more space.

They’re looking forward to spreading their wings in the new place. Although they will definitely move back to Station Road they might also operate at the Cherry Orchard and will make that decision in a few months’ time.

Whatever happens, the refurbished shop will retain its idiosyncratic vibe.

’We will keep the same old form, organised chaos. We will have the same stock lines, it’s the same old hardware store,’ said Kevin.The formula has helped it survive the challenges of the high street.

’We are doing OK. It’s a difficult time. Customers come here first so they don’t have to go to Douglas, it saves them time.

’We can get similar products. We stock as big a range as possible. A lot try us first and we are very proud of that. We get tourists in who say: "You do not get these places where we’re from".’

’The plan always is to move back, but there’s an asterisk above it.’