Friday 9 January 2015

That’s that then...

Yes, that’s that then.

After over three year the Odd Glass Shop at the Emporium on the Downs (formerly Trader's Outlet or No 16 or Waterloo Mill) is no more. The corner where I painted my glass (surrounded by all manner of mess) is empty, my shelves are broken down and stored in my dining room, my remaining stock boxed and stacked in the lounge upstairs.

It’s a strange feeling not turning up for glass painting business each morning; I’d often do six days a week. I wasn’t busy, except at Christmas, but it was a way to pass the time and of course I am nothing without my routine.

I've no idea how many businesses set up and closed down over the three years I was there, but it must have been hundreds. Bike shops, jewellers, hairdressers, gifts, interior designers, pet supplies, ladies fashions, gents accessories, a florist, beauticians, vintage this and vintage that, bric-a-brac, cup cakes, artists, craft supplies, even a masseuse (wink, wink).

The traders themselves were a strange mixture of dreamers, entrepreneurs, rogues, lazy good-for-nothings, and talented creatives with a smattering of egotistical maniacs and the odd nutter or two. I’ll leave you to decide which pigeonhole I fit into.

The owners were of course a different kettle of fish altogether and a little fishy to boot. They were capable of some of the most incompetent and bad businesslike actions I've ever witnessed. Still, it takes all sorts and ultimately they gave me a place to develop my funny little business so (in true Bob Cratchit fashion) I thank them for that.

I shall miss my shop, I think I was there longer than any of the others in the end, but as the saying goes – as one door closes another door opens and I’m off to new premises next month to do it all again.

Thinking about it, I’m probably one of the nutters.

33 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Andrew Height
      A new start Barbara. Onwards and upwards.

      Delete
  2. Emma Cholmondeley on FB
    Good luck in your new place Andrew, it looks fantastic! I might come and visit when you're settled x

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  3. Sarah Farmer on FB
    Which category did I fit into Andrew? I agree a great place for ideas. Some very odd business ideas but the bosses were knobs.... but even so they gave me a chance to try something I loved for the time I was there x

    Sarah Farmer Good Luck x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Andrew Height
      I have you down as driven Sarah. In a good way.

      Delete
  4. Graham Ido Taxi Kinsey on FB
    From one Nutter to another all the best mate

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Andrew Height
      Cheers Graham. I think it's going to be good.

      Delete
    2. Graham Ido Taxi Kinsey on FB
      I will try to come and see your new setup but where ever you go you will always put a smile on the faces around you

      Delete
  5. Sam Little on FB
    What am I, ha ha x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Andrew Height
      A shabby chic genius Sam (and a bit nuts).

      Delete
    2. Sam Little
      Ha ha thats why were friends, people in our business have to be slighty weird x

      Delete
  6. Karen Scrace on FB
    I'm waiting for the book! X

    ReplyDelete
  7. Jayne Butterworth on FB
    Cant wait for the post office to open then i can cum and mither u once more! Gud luck andrew from ur truly loyal nutty customers and friends the buttys! X

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Andrew Height
      I'll see you there Jayne.

      Delete
  8. Vicky Matson, Sandra Bouguerch, Catherine Halls-Jukes and 9 others like this.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Replies
    1. Andrew Height
      Not really - I need a change.

      Delete
  10. Val Wynne on FB
    Well said how come you are not winding Sam Little up?! Getting mellow with the move eh!!! Lol x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Andrew Height
      It's not fair on Sam, Val. She can't help it

      Delete
    2. Val Wynne
      Ooo you are awful lol

      Delete
  11. Sam Little on FB
    You wouldn't have me any other way x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Andrew Height
      As the actress said to the bishop Sam.

      Delete
  12. David Bell on FB
    Why did you move?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Andrew Height
      The fools who owned the store building (and others) mismanaged themselves into receivership David. Sound familiar?

      Delete
    2. Andrew Height
      I thought that you might.

      Delete
  13. Carmen Robinson on FB
    all the best Andrew Height.. onwards n upwards .xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Andrew Height
      Always Carmen. Pop in and see me once we are up and running.

      Delete
  14. Steve Bishop on FB
    Good luck in your new premises Andrew. Starting after your trip ??

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Andrew Height Nope.
      I move 1st March Steve and am off the the sun in August.

      Delete
    2. Steve Bishop
      Well, I hope that both ventures are hugely exciting, interesting, and pleasurable experiences for you.

      Delete
    3. Andrew Height
      I have no doubt that they will be Steve. Booked my spot in the new shop today. can't wait.

      Delete