Popular Mansfield store to close after more than half a century

The shop’s owner for the past 15 years has been David Marriot. He was due to retire and put the business up for sale last year.

Now, after a number of potential buyers came forward and lengthy discussions, David says no suitable offers have been put on the table.

It means that the shop, first opened back in August 1967 by Margaret Elliot, will close its doors at the Handley Arcade for the final time by the end of July.

David said: “When we announced that a new owner was needed to take the business forward, several groups came forward to look at the books and look at the facts and figures.

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“It will be a shame as the shop continues to be very popular but I’m afraid I am retiring and it won’t be continuing.”

David took on the shop when Margaret died in 2007. It sells a variety of items such as dressmaking material and patterns, buttons, wool, knitting and crochet wools and patterns, dressmaking patterns, fabric and the like. Some craft items are stocked also.

The stock, which was in excess of £100,000, was included in the asking price of £85,000. The business has an online shop and makes good use of social media with a presence on Facebook and Instagram.

Following the lockdown restrictions being eased, the shop will open at 9.30am on April 12.

Nikki Rolls chief executive of Mansfield Business Improvement District said: “It will be sad for the business to go, David is retiring and has worked hard to try and find someone to take it on, even in the current economic climate.

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“Many people will have fond memories of the shop and the people who have worked there over the years.”

Mansfield folk took to Facebook after it was featured on the Mansfield Means Business site.

One said: “A real piece of Mansfield’s social history. It will be such a loss. Another added “End of an era. Very sad.”

If anyone wants to make an offer to take the business forward beyond July, they should contact Edwinstowe-based business transfer agents Ellis and Ellis on 01623 421493.