Heartache of shop owner as he prepares close town centre store
The owner of a Diss antiques store has told of his heartache as he prepares to shut up shop in the town centre.
Kristian Wimshurst said having to close Diss Antiques and sell the shop premises on Market Place is an emotional mixture of “relief and upset”.
But the strain of running "a large store in a small town" has become too much for the 44-year-old - and he is now planning to carry on – on a smaller scale – at home.
“It is a huge wrench and has affected me quite a bit,” he said.
“I haven’t really had time to dwell on it yet as I am still very busy running the shop and getting ready to move.
“But I do feel very emotional about it, and I am sure there will be tears when it sinks in.
"I'd like to thank all of our customers over the year, who have become like friends.”
Diss Antiques was founded by Kristian’s father, Brian, and mother, Karin, in 1971.
Brian Wimshurst had previously worked in aircraft design but had always harboured and interest in antique. He bought the shop, which was formerly Bale & Sons, a grocer’s store, and began selling antique furniture, barometers and clocks.
The business evolved over the years and now includes workshops in furniture restoration, antique clock and watch restoration, as well as re-upholstery, jewellery repair and bespoke furniture making.
“I have been involved in antiques all my life through my parents,” said Kristian, who is married with four children.
“I would go to antiques fairs with my mother even before I could talk. I have grown up at the shop – it’s like my second home.
“I remember my mum being excited when she introduced a new range of French waxes and polishes to the region, called Liberon, in the early ‘80s.
“In the 1990s, we suffered a burglary and used the insurance money to buy replica antiques and modern jewellery, which also took the shop in a different direction.”
Kristian joined the business full-time 23 years ago.
He will now be transferring aspects of the business, including selling antiques and giftware to his home in Roydon, as well as opening a showroom and workshop.
A heavy workload and high overheads at the shop have proven the main issue.
A key turning point, however, was losses made during construction work on the Heritage Triangle, from which the business is only just recovering.
“In many ways, it was the last straw,” said Kristian.
“There has been a lot of improvement, the Corn Hall is fantastic, and it is very positive for the town.
“But, during the work, our income was down by a third of what it normally is. Shortly after, I made the decision to close and sell the shop. It really is heartbreaking.
“Things have got back to normal now but, with the overheads and the complexities of running a big store in a small town, it just overwhelming and very stressful.
“We are only here fleetingly and I decided that my family must come first, so I plan to work at home with my wife, Karen, and spend more time with my children.”
Diss Antiques employs eight staff, who Kristian say have all been very supportive.
The store will close at the end of July.