Richard Branson has been told to "look out" as two savvy schoolboys have won over the hearts of Liverpool.
Cole Fletcher and Ethan Dutton, 12, who have been best friends since primary school, decided they wanted to make some extra pocket money while also helping people going to the Grand National at Aintree last week. The boys, who were born on the same day, went to Primark and bought 120 pairs of flipflops to sell outside the racecourse.
The boys stood on the street corner with a hand painted sign saying "for sale flipflops". Rachel Eaton, Cole's mum, spoke to The ECHO of how proud she was of her son and his best friend.
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She said: "The boys decided on selling flip flops at Aintree to earn a bit of money for themselves. They didn't expect for the post to go viral all over social media, they were amazed.
"[They were] all over Twitter, getting hundreds of shares on FB and Instagram, the boys were made up."
She explained how the boys sold 60 pairs of flip flops on Ladies Day after they bought different coloured shoes to match any girl's outfit. They even offered a free plaster in case they had a blister.
Rachel said: "They ended up with a decent profit. I really admire them both, they loved doing it.
"They decided they wanted to do the Saturday for The National. It was perfect weather and hundreds of thousands gathered which added the extra fun.
"They said people were lovely, the police were looking out for them and the girls and lads who bought a pair, they had a laugh with them all. Even people stopping to say hi and that they had seen them on social media the day before."
The boys sold out, with Rachel saying they would be heading to Liverpool with their hard-earned cash to "probably buy more trainers".
She added: "Us mums are delighted with their brilliant idea. Very proud of them both."
ECHO readers took to the comments section to congratulate the boys on their success and warn Entrepreneur Richard Branson to "look out".
Lindsey Rushton said: "Well done lads, future entrepreneurs there especially buying choice of colours to match outfits and supplying plasters."
Virginia Flaherty said: "Future entrepreneurs look out Branson and Lord Sugar well done lads."
Jacqui Eyres said: "Great to hear some positive [news] about kids ,well done boys and enjoy buying those trainees."
Paula Keeley said: "Little pair of entrepreneurs in the making!! Well done."
Danielle Pollard said: "Well done boys, they should do Chester races to, make a little biz for them. Everytime races are on, and get some money behind them."
Lea Jones said: "Loved the way they took the time on the sign and everything but unfortunately others came and got in front of them but they still never gave up. Well done lads xx"
Dan Gleeballs said: "Them two are going places, well done lads."
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