LOYAL customers made one last trip to one of Winchester’s longest-standing independent shops, as the family owners prepare to move to Italy.
Italian home and giftware store Forme closed its doors for the final time on Saturday, July 29, after 25 years in Parchment Street, with nearly all stock having sold out.
Andrew Butling, who runs the business alongside his wife Celeste and parents-in-law Maurizio and Silvia Ponzellini, said: “We have very mixed emotions today, for all of us it’s slightly different.
READ MORE: Longstanding Winchester shop Forme relocating to Italy
The last remaining stock (Image: Adele Bouchard)
“We’re looking forward to something new and the challenge is exciting and daunting at the same time.
“My parents-in-law made the move here, as we are to Italy, 27 years ago so their excitement is much more nuanced. They’re going back to Italy because it’s a good step to make for their life now.
The family (Image: Andrew Butling)
“Lots of the customers we have are people we see quite often. Winchester has a small community, so word has gotten around very quickly. Everybody who comes through the door has mostly come to say goodbye and to wish us well, rather than to get a good bargain. And that’s been lovely.
SEE ALSO: Founder of menswear shop 'excited' to open Winchester location
The family even got out the Christmas stock (Image: Adele Bouchard)
“My heart goes out to all those people who have become friends of ours. We hope that they believe us when we say we’d love for them to visit us in Italy and would be delighted to see them.
“We basically have nothing left but what we do have we will be giving to charity. Things like soaps and candles that can be used we’ll be sending to Ukraine, while other items like lampshades we’ll donate to the Salvation Army or other charities.”
The retail unit has been put up for let by Primmer Old BAS. Mr Butling has seen a few people interested in the space but has no idea what it will become.
The family's new shop, in San Casciano in Val di Pesa near Florence, will be named Nuovo Corso which means “new path” and sell a greater range of clothing.
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