No more shop.

So, a week has gone by. I have had quite a lazy Saturday. Just over 12 years ago, I opened Bennetts, a books, toys and collectables shop in Walsall`s Victorian Arcade. I had been in the business for a few years. starting at Memorabilia, then on to a different fair every week. Then Walsall market on a Wednesday. After a couple of crappy Wednesdays, I looked for an alternative and found the Shopping Hall in the Quasar Centre, in Park Street, Walsall. Very happy there for nearly two years, before they chucked us all out to make way for Wilkinsons [boo, hiss]. 3 months later, I opened up the shop and never looked back. The first few years were great. We got busier and busier. My wife, Jean came to work with me and a little later, so did Pauline. We had a lot of fun, paid our bills, both business and personal. Then things started to get tighter. Retailers saw the recession way before the government. We all saw people spending less, especially in the run up to Christmas. We tightened our belts, hit the credit card, bought less stock and managed to stay open. Jean reached retirement age, but still helped at the shop.

However, there was always a certain feeling pulling us away. Our daughter, Sarah, had moved to America, got married and had two kids. We had had so much fun with our previous 3 grandkids, that we wanted to be with the new batch as often as possible. Everyone assumed, we would move there sooner or later.

Late in 2013 a couple of decisions were made. We would close the shop and spend more time travelling to the States. Then my stepson, Michael, came forward and asked if we would be open to selling the business, as he had someone in mind.

Well we got to mid March 2014 and I asked him to put a date on me handing over. I had originally said they would have to buy the business rather than me selling it to them. However, I had come to think of this as better than closing down. They would keep the name and the products going. Our legacy would continue. Also, we would not have to find buyers for everything and clear out all the stuff from the shop! 

So, at 5.00 p.m., on Saturday 5th April, I handed over my key and walked away for the last time, as the owner.

A week later. I have not missed it. We still have to deal with paperwork and payment, but that is in hand. I have not missed it. Today was an odd Saturday for me, spent at home. I have not missed it. One more time. I have not missed it.

It had become more of a chore to me than a pleasure. I wish the new owners all the luck in the world. They will make mistakes and they will screw things up. They will change things around and do things differently.

But, my mantra, these past couple of weeks has been;"not my problem"

In future blogs, I may reminisce about the place, the people and the stuff. But for now, my first week away from it has gone by and my conclusion is....

I have not missed it!