A stalwart of the Selby high street is bowing out after an amazing 25 years in business.
Heaven & Home has launched a closing down sale as owner Richard Schofield gets ready to retire.
He told YorkMix that he was going “with a heavy heart. But I’ve had a fantastic 25 years – I’ve loved it here.
“Originally we opened in the Market Cross Centre. And I’ve been in this one on the High Street for 12 years.”
So what’s been the best thing about being a Selby retailer? “It’s got to be the people. They’re fantastic – such friendly people,” he said.
And last year brought another highlight – when Heaven & Home was a finalist in the YorkMix Choice Awards.
All through its 25 years, the gift shop has supported charities. “When my dad died, he left me all these books,” Richard told YorkMix.
“I put them outside and we made 400 quid. And this says a lot about Selby people; they heard about it and started bringing their books in, and we’re now up to £8,300 for a cancer charity, which is great.”
Richard, 65, said he felt the time was right to retire.
“The shop is now up for sale. We’re not selling it as a business, we’re just selling the building.
“So we have to clear the stock. We’ve got 20% off everything, and some things are much less than half price.”
Richard isn’t certain what retirement will hold. “I’m quite a keen cyclist,” he said. “I play chess every day, I play chess online. `Richard isn’t certain what retirement will hold. “I’m quite a keen cyclist,” he said. “I play chess every day, I play chess online.
“I don’t know how I’ll find it because it’s so new to me. I work six days a week, I have done for the last 25 years. So it’ll be a little bit strange, but I’m sure I’ll think of something!”
He thinks the shop will finally shut, “providing we get a buyer” in June or July.
Richard added: “If anybody just wants to come in for a chat, we’ve always done that throughout the time of being here.
“And I’ve got quite a lot of friends in Selby. So just come in and say ta-ra!”