A POPULAR sporting goods store in Barry has closed its doors for good after two years in business.

Tangaroa, a watersports store on Broad Street in Barry opened in August 2022.

But after 15 months in business, it closed on Sunday, December 31 after the final stock was sold.

Owners Sarah and Nigel Evans announced on social media on Boxing Day that they were closing the store to pursue other projects.

Mrs Evans said: “I have decided to return to teaching and Nigel will continue with other projects so he will be unable to run the shop alone.

“I am sad that we are closing, but I want to go out on a high knowing that we have helped so many customers join cold water swimming groups.

“I would sincerely like to thank all our customers so very much, especially the open water swim communities and local lifeguard clubs.”

The store announced a 50 per cent closing sale on December 28 to clear existing stock before it permanently closed on New Year's Eve.

Mrs Evans told the Barry and District News it was time to go in a different direction after it became too costly to run the store.

She added: “We weren’t getting any rewards financially, we were working seven days a week to pay the bills, with no holidays or breaks and thought it was time to go in a different direction.

“I am proud to have supported our local Barry Dock RNLI by being one of their business ambassadors and informing our customers about water safety.

“I have started training as a Water Safety Volunteer and hopefully you will see me around in this role as we have received great support from the National Coastwatch Institution at Nells Point.”