Diss Wildflower Records stall-holder Will Porteous prepares to close business

A Diss record stall owner has described his heartbreak as he prepares to wind down after three and a half years.

Will Porteous, 43, who runs Wildflower Records at 8 Market Place, will cease trading after the first weekend of August.

The father of two said making a living from market stalls in the town was becoming increasingly difficult due to a ‘lack of appetite’.

He felt an independent record shop was perfect for Diss but the pool of customers was too small.

Will said: “I’m really gutted about having to close down as I’ve poured my heart and soul into the shop. It is heartbreaking it didn’t work out and I wish there had been more money around – I know it’s tough right now.

“I was really keen to sell records for a living, it was perfect for the area, and you have all these ambitions when you start a business.

“Much of Diss is in this situation, I know of other stall holders who are barely breaking even.

“Market Place was a great initiative and I really do love its atmosphere and vibe but people don’t want to come into town and shop.

“It’s always good for the first few months but things die down. It is hard work and maybe I am not business minded.”

Will had run Wildflower Records since February 2022, originally out of Church Street before moving to his stall in August 2023.

He sold ‘every type of record and CD under the sun’ and would occasionally be brought a rare collector’s item.

Will said he considered moving his stall to Woodbridge but was worried about the commute.

He has returned to doing gardening full time and also produces music on the side.

Will added: “It’s just not possible to run a business on £100 profit per week.

“More needs to be done to turn Diss into a destination town. We need investment if we want to see businesses like mine succeed.

“I’d like to thank everybody at Market Place for being such a rich part of the community.”

Wildflower Records is currently holding a 20 per cent sale.