Colemans of Malvern closing after 17 years in Church Street

Colemans of Malvern, an arts and crafts shop in Church Street, will stop trading on February 28, 2023.

Nick Coleman, who runs the store with wife Sara, said they’d had a decent Christmas - but that it would also be their last as retailers.

“We are closing down,” he said. “Sales are ok, but we’ve never really recovered to pre-Covid levels.

“We are retiring - the business isn’t struggling or anything, but for us it’s run its course. It’s time for someone else to take it over if they wish. We’ve been here 17 years, so quite a long time.

Colemans of Malvern (Image: Colemans of Malvern)

“Retail has been a challenging business for quite a long time and Covid accelerated changes that were already underway - people doing more of their shopping online, and particularly some of the products sold here.

“We sell to the hobby market and I also wonder if people are spending a bit less on their hobbies because of the cost of living crisis - there’s a whole range of factors.”

Nick said he and wife Sara plan to spend some quality time together in retirement after putting so much energy into the shop in recent years.

“We have been very committed to this business, the both of us, so it’ll be nice to just have a bit more time,” he said.

Colemans of Malvern is holding a closing down sale, with 50 per cent off seasonal stock including calendars and wrapping paper, and 30 per cent off paints and other art materials.