The increasing burden led to the decision to close the shop after a final day of trading on Sunday.
“Costs for the building such as the electricity costs just went up and up. It was too much,” manager Virginia Tilby told ATG.
The centre had been open for 25 years and its owners Russell and Gina Smith, Tilby’s parents, are now in their 70s – another factor in the decision to close. When they were offered a good price on the building, moving out seemed the logical decision. However, with no other comparable space available it is the end for Hereford Antique Centre.
Tilby added that while some of the dealers will move their trade to Leominster, others will be leaving the business altogether.
“We’ve been absolutely manic for the last fortnight,” Tilby said. “Everything was reduced in the last few days and we pretty much sold out. We always thought it wasn’t about price but apparently it was.”
A local business, Hereford Glass, is set to take over the building after they were forced to move out of their former premises due to the construction of a new link road.
