While Brian Whymark insists his now $6 salad roll is still good value for money, after 31 years at the helm of the Pleasant Corner Store he’s decided to call it a day.

After quitting his career in banking in the early 1980’s, Mr Whymark decided he wanted a sea change. 

“We were tied up in Melbourne and we wanted to move.”

After seeing the store at 312 Pleasant Street listed on the market, the Melbournian figured running a corner shop offered as good an opportunity as any for a change of lifestyle.

While Mr Whymark said the job was more difficult now than in the past due to the increased pressures from big supermarkets, businesses such as his could still survive if owners focused on customer service.

“It was easier back when the supermarkets closed at 1 p.m. on a Saturday, (but) you’ve got to look after the needs of people and be friendly,” Mr Whymark said.

“If they get good service they don’t mind if you’re a bit dearer than the supermarkets.”

The 65 year-old said the business had been purchased by a young couple who planned to run a similar business to the one there today.

While Mr Whymark said he was looking forward to his retirement after selling the business, he said he would miss the customers.

“All the customers feel like friends, most of them are locals,” Mr Whymark said.

“There’s some really lovely people who come through the shop.”

Since buying the business 31 years ago, Mr Whymark has been waking up at 5.20 a.m. every day to open the store at 6 a.m., and said he was looking forward to a sleep in.

“I’m not sure what it (retirement) means yet but I’m going to stop getting up early.”

Regular customer Kevin Nagle said he had been visiting the store for 27 years, and said it played an important part in the local community.

“There’s always friendly, personal service at a small corner shop and Brian has been a great example of that.

“They always save you the morning paper if you forget it.”

Mr Whymark said while he would be moving out of the home behind the store front, he had no intentions of leaving the Ballarat region.