Here’s what I noticed after a few visits: the same faces keep coming back. There’s the retired guy who’s rebuilding a classic car (he told me, I didn’t ask), the young couple renovating a flat in Hove, and the gardener who buys soil by the tonne. They all queue up with a sort of friendly resignation—like, “Yes, I’m here again, but it’s fine because the staff remember my name.” That counts for a lot in a city that can feel a bit anonymous.
Oh, and they do trade accounts too. If you’re a builder or a serious DIYer, you can get discounts that actually make a difference. I’m not a trade pro—I just play one on weekends—but even I got a loyalty card. It’s the little things that make you feel like a local.
A final, ironic thought
So, my fence is now fixed. It’s upright, solid, and painted in a colour I swore would look nice (it does, mostly). And every time I look at it, I think of that Saturday morning at Covers—the smell of fresh timber, the clatter of bags, and Dave’s deadpan advice: “Don’t forget the nails, mate.” That’s the kind of service you can’t order online. So if you’re in Brighton and your fence is waving at the neighbours, do yourself a favour—head to Covers. Just maybe leave the credit card at home if you’re impulse-prone. You’ve been warned.
