A popular Suffolk village store, which has been run by the same family since 1968, is set to close on Saturday (September 28).
Williams Stores, on The Green in Grundisburgh, has been run by the four daughters of original owners Ray and Joyce Williams since 2017, but now the quartet wish to move on and pursue other interests.
A store has stood at the site since the 19th century and was taken over by TV and radio engineer Ray Williams, who ran his own thriving electrical business with his wife Joyce, alongside a general and hardware store.
After Mr Williams died in 2003, his wife continued to run the store until her death in 2017 aged 92.
The business was then handed down to the sisters and managed by one of them - Rosie Venn, who continued with the main business incorporating a coffee shop called The Old Drapery Coffee Shop.
READ MORE: Look inside village home with built-in coffee shop on the market for £1.5m
After taking over the store, Mr and Mrs Williams stopped selling food because of other food shops in the village, including greengrocers and bakers.
The store also sells plants provided by Katie's Garden Plant Centre in Newbourne and is an agent for Danes Laundry, while it also sells hardware.
The shop and coffee shop is part of a seven bedroom house, which is also on the market.
Mr Williams died in 2003, after which his wife ran the store until she died in 2017 aged 92, at which point the reins were handed over to the couple's four daughters.
READ MORE: Landlord on sale of Grundisburgh Dog pub in east Suffolk
In a message on Facebook, the daughters spoke of their "mixed emotions" that the store was closing down.
They said: "Many of you have noticed the distinct black and orange 'sold' sign outside our lovely shop.
"It is with mixed emotions that we would like to announce that Williams Stores will be closing its doors for the final time on Saturday, September 28 at 5pm, which will be our very last day of trading since our parents bought the house and shop in 1968."
READ MORE: Grundisburgh Dog deli will be known as Essen in Woodbridge
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel