Worcester Business
Antique business closes showrooms
1:30pm Tuesday 31st January 2012
AFTER more than 30 years of trading in Pershore, the owners of S W Antiques have decided to close their showrooms in Newlands.
The family business, started by Richard and Sylvia Whiteside in 1978, moved to the premises in Pershore in 1987.
The business was taken over by Mr and Mrs Whiteside’s son Adrian, who said he and his family had decided not to renew the 25- year lease on the Newlands premises due to other business commitments.
Mr Whiteside said: “The lease has come to an end and after much family discussion and deliberation we have decided not to renew it.
“This marks the end of an era for all of us. We have met some fantastic people from the local area and from all over the country, many of whom have become both loyal customers and good friends.
“However, we must look forward and move with the times and personally, it means that I can concentrate on our family online retail business and spend more time with my family.”
The 34-year-old business began in Tewkesbury but soon moved to premises in Broad Street in Pershore in 1981 and then subsequently to Newlands where the business went from strength to strength, with customers travelling from all over the country to buy their antique furniture.
The business is due to shut up shop on March 25.
Mr Whiteside said: “We have large showrooms to clear so even my office desk and chair will be up for sale.
“I would like to thank all of our customers for making S W Antiques such a successful and enjoyable business to be involved in.”