This Saturday, Maldon will bid farewell to Andrew and Gill Wilson who have decided to retire from their family shop, Upstairs Downstairs, after 46 years.

Mr and Mrs Wilson have served customers at the Edwards Walk shop since 1990, after the shop relocated from the High Street, where it had been since its opening in 1976.

Mr Wilson said that he was going to be enjoying his retirement, by 'spending more time in the garden' and on 'some trips away'.

Despite the Wilsons' retirement, the shop will continue to serve the community under new ownership.

The new management already owns Templeman Opticians in the High Street, which was bought by Ian and Rachel Harrison in March 2020.*

They said: "We will be taking over the store at the end of April and closing for a few weeks for a complete refurbishment.

"When we reopen at the beginning of July, we will have lots of new and beautiful stock as well as all the favourites that Upstairs Downstairs sell now, including Charlie Bears, Jelly Cat and Wrendale.

"We are really looking forward to welcoming all the regulars as well as new customers".

After the opening, the shop will continue to supply Made to Measure Curtains and Blinds, bedding, cushions, homeware, toys, gifts and more.

During the refurbishment, made-to-measure curtain orders can be arranged to be taken, however this will be by appointment only.

Andrew and Gill will be at the shop until this Saturday, and are holding a retirement sale.

*A correction has been made due to an error in the article, which implied the business was being taken over by George Templeman or his family. Mr Templeman is deceased, and his daughter sold Templeman Opticians to Mr and Mrs Harrison in March 2020. We would like to apologise for the error made.