Mas Beg, the long-time owner of Wanstead pet shop Heads ‘n’ Tails, has decided to retire after 24 years running the much-treasured institution.
The premises is to let, and Mas hopes that a new owner will want to continue running the shop in a similar vein to the way he has for the past two-and-a-half decades. Though he stopped selling birds, fish and other pets last year, the shop is highly valued by Wanstead pet owners. It sells a huge amount of pet supplies, plants and household goods, and for many years it also seemed like one of the only shops on the High Street which sold anything useful.
Mas told Wansteadium the only reason for him deciding to leave was that it was time to retire, and that he would miss his legion of faithful customers. He was chosen by the Wanstead Society as Shopkeeper of the Year in 2010.
Mas, on behalf of the people of Wanstead, we thank you for your cheerful service.
Thanks Mas for all your help and cheerful friendly service over the years – much appreciated,
So depressed, I don’t know what I’ll do. Where will I get my bird food, wool, plants and everything else? I’m going to go on hunger strike. If I die, you’ll know why
What’s the rent and how long is the lease
Woody the dog and his owner and family will miss Mas dearly. But wish him a long and happy retirement x
This is such a shame. Maz has been so helpful over the years…always happy to give great DIY advice, to lend a critical tool, to drop off heavy bags or to place a particular order. So friendly and kind and so very supportive of his local community. He will be very much missed. I really hope someone can take over and keep the shop as it is…a hub in Wanstead’s community.
Oh what a shame!! Where will I get my plants and household goods from and all the helpful advice? I’ll miss you.
This is sad news. I can’t tell you how many years I’ve been visiting Heads ‘n’ Tails and so I’ll miss Mas very much. Fingers crossed, someone will want to take up the mantle and continue the same business as correctly said above by Wanstead News: “it also seemed like one of the only shops on the High Street which sold anything useful”. So very true. One can only hope that we don’t have yet another coffee shop opening in it’s place.
I wish Mas best of luck in his next adventure and a very well deserved rest and retirement.
Well earned… thank you Mas
This is sad news. I can’t tell you how many years I’ve been visiting Heads ‘n’ Tails so I’ll miss Mas very much. Fingers crossed, someone will want to take up the mantle and continue the same business as correctly said above by Wanstead News: “it also seemed like one of the only shops on the High Street which sold anything useful”. So very true.
One can only hope that we don’t have yet another coffee shop opening in it’s place.
I wish Mas best of luck in his next adventure and a very well deserved rest and retirement.
Very best wishes for a long and happy retirement Mas! I still hope to see Yvonne when I come into the shop………….
Oooo. Why don’t we get another useful coffee shop? All the fabulous shops that used to line the high street have now sadly gone. I know things have to change and adapt but is there really a need for the amount of coffee shops we have. Let’s have more ‘proper’ shops. Sorry, I forgot the rent is too high. Only hugely profitable cups of coffee can support that kind of overhead.
I have so enjoyed shopping with you. Kindness and humour. Forget me not, will always make me laugh.
I always bought my plants for my hanging baskets and balcony there. Such a gentleman, ready with advice on lightbulbs etc.
Enjoy your retirement, Wanstead High Street will miss you
When we had guinea pigs, we could leave them at the shop when we went on holiday. They were always so well looked after.
I will miss that nod and a smile I get every time I walk past, not a pet owner but have bought many useful items there over the years. Enjoy your retirement Mas.
So sad to see this .I’ve used it since imoved here many years ago.Mas deserves his retirement though,good luck to him in 5he future
A very friendly chap who always gave good advice and offered first class service. A long, happy and healthy retirement to you sir.