York has paid tribute to the man described as the “heart and soul” of its retail community after the death of Ian Thompson, chairman of Barnitts.

Ian, whose family hardware business is well known in the city as an Aladdin’s Cave, selling a wide range of goods, died in Majorca on Tuesday, aged 70.

Adam Sinclair, manager of Mulberry Hall and chairman of the York Business Forum, said Ian was a “lovely and humble” man.

Mr Sinclair said: “He gave his heart and soul to his family and the family within the Barnitts business. He built one of the most exciting independent hardware businesses in Europe and everybody in York respected and admired him and his business.

“He was always prepared to make the right stand for the city when it needed to be taken and this is a very big passing for the city of York.”

Last year, Barnitts, which employs about 90 people, was awarded the Service With A Smile award at The Press’s Community Pride Awards and in 2009 won The Press’s Shop Of The Year award.

Coun Andrew Waller, leader of City of York Council, said: “The fact that York has such an iconic store as Barnitts, which seems to have everything that you might conceivably need for the home, is a tribute to Ian Thompson.

“He was a key player in the York tradition of strong engagement of independent retailers within city centre life and will be missed due to his many years of experience and contacts.”

Barnitts was established in 1896 by George Barnitt in the same premises in Colliergate where it is today.

In 1913, it was bought by Ian’s father and uncle, who had worked in the store. Ian left school at 15 to join the firm and took it over at the age of 27. His children, Sally and Paul, are both directors of the business.

In 1995, Barnitts expanded into the neighbouring ex-Army drill hall, adding 6,000 sq ft and in March last year expanded in the other direction by taking over the 5,000 sq ft unit formerly occupied by Blacks.

It also has a branch in York Road, in Acomb.