Aven Tools Centre

Our shop is at 51-53 Dhanji Street. It’s a busy spot, and like most places in this part of town, we have to make the most of every square inch we have. The shelves are packed with all sorts of tools and bits of hardware. It’s a bit of a tight squeeze when a few people are inside at once, but that’s just how Dhanji Street is. We spend most of the day sorting through stock or helping people find what they need for their own projects. There’s no corporate feel here at all. The counter is old, and there are probably some scratches on it from years of heavy metal tools being laid down. We don’t bother with much fancy lighting or displays; we just keep the goods where they can be seen and reached. It’s a very honest way to spend the day. You see the same faces often, which is nice. There’s a lot of dust that comes in from the street, so we’re always wiping things down, but it’s a losing battle most of the time. The work is mostly about knowing where everything is and being ready when someone walks through the door. It’s a small operation, just a couple of us keeping the place running. We don't have any big meetings or long plans, we just show up, open the shutters, and see what the day brings. It is just a normal shop life.