Independent town centre gift shop to close its doors

Junction 33 director, Lynne Rickcord, said the decision was a hard one but the time to retire and enjoy the next chapter of her life has come.

The Carfax gift shop, known for it eclectic and quirky stock of goods, has a loyal following of customers.

“My tummy is still rumbling,” said Lynne. “We could have gone on, but it’s the right time.”

Lynne stressed it was her own decision to close the doors for good on Saturday February 1, but said business had been affected by the internet and rising rates did not help.

The store did not sell its stock online.

She continued: “I didn’t come into modern life as such, but it wasn’t what I wanted to do.

“I still believe there are people who want to come in, feel it, touch it and have it gift wrapped.

“Perhaps I should have had a website, but that wasn’t the way I saw the business going forward.”

Before setting up her store, Lynne was in the travel business.

She was made redundant and a friend persuaded her to open up a gift shop.

“It was the biggest learning curve of my life,” admitted Lynne.

“It’s not just about standing behind a counter, it’s an incredibly busy and time consuming business.

“But I have met some wonderful people.”

Lynne thanked all her customers and suppliers for their support.

A sale will take place from Monday (January 13).