Lynn Norfolk Street suffers another blow
ONE of Lynn's oldest family businesses will close its doors for the last time later this year after more than 130 years of trading in the town.
Scotts China Shop, in Norfolk Street, will launch a closing down sale next week with a view to calling time on the business, which first opened in 1874, in late May.
Owner Robin Scott told the Lynn News the decision was made with "real regret" but was forced by the virtual disappearance of the English pottery and china which has been the cornerstone of the shop for decades.
The closure will result in the loss of six jobs.
Mr Scott said: "English pottery and bone china was the best in the world.
"But Royal Worcester, which overlooks the River Severn, is now expensive apartments, the factory in Stoke was sold last year and Royal Doulton virtually has no factory of its own.
"We now have china coming from Taiwan, Indonesia, the Czech Republic and Portugal. I am unhappy about that but there is nothing I can do.
After more than 50 years in retail it is lack of product, rather than Lynn, which has forced this decision.
"These items do not have the romance or appeal. A lot of collectors have pieces from their parents and grandparents, as well as their own, but there is no way they can add to their collections with products from overseas.
"We have been keeping our heads above water but a lot of our friends around the country have stopped trading over the past four or five years."
The business was founded by Mr Scott's great grandfather, Thomas William Scott, in 1874, and has been based at premises in Church Street, St James Street and High Street.
As time progressed the shop evolved to sell furniture, floor coverings, drapery, toys and hardware, along with china and glassware items.
When Mr Scott joined the family business more than 50 years ago he worked alongside his father William Scott, uncle Maurice Scott and cousin Alan Scott, before moving to the premises in Norfolk Street on his own in June 1971.
He said: "I have done 50-plus years and that is more than enough. I will be retiring and I am planning on doing a lot of walking and spending more time with my friends.
"I will enjoy not needing to be here six days a week. Times have changed and in many respects it is probably quite correct."
The sad announcement comes months after the closure of two other longstanding businesses in Norfolk Street.
Stratfords, which specialised in outdoor equipment and safety wear, blamed "increasingly competitive trading conditions" for its closure early this year, having first opened just after the First World War.
And in November Lynn's legendary eggman Reg Miller announced his retirement at the age of 88, having been a familiar face on Norfolk Street for 71 years.
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Weather for King's Lynn
Sunday 27 May 2012
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