9 hours ago
Gallery owner struggles to let go as he announces shop closure
THE OWNER of a city centre gallery has announced he will be closing his shop after 25 years.
Terry Goodwin-Jones, 70, will be closing The King's Gallery on New Street later this year, with Mangojuice Gallery, which shares the same building, also set to close.
Mr Goodwin-Jones has taken the decision to close the gallery as he is looking to retire. The gallery has already cut down to just three opening days a week.
He said there has been an emotional reaction from customers, with some regulars even shedding a tear.
READ MORE: 'A big loss': Major department store House of Fraser confirms closure
READ MORE: New steak and seafood restaurant gears up to open in city centre
READ MORE: Eastern tea bar plan revealed at old empty shop that was household name
"Lots of people are saying how sorry they are," he said. "We've had customers come in and tell us they've cried when they found out.
"People will often drop in for a chat or come in with a packet of biscuits for us. We've got lots of regular customers who have become more than customers."
The gallery owner admitted he has also struggled with the idea of closing and is yet to confirm a date for closure.
"If we had a lease, we'd have a deadline but I have no deadline so it's dragging on a bit," he said.
"I've become more accepting of it. I was really struggling with the idea of closing the shop.
"I'm not desperate to pack up the shop but I don't want to leave it too late that I'm too old to do anything afterwards."
With Mangojuice Gallery also closing, Mr Goodwin-Jones reminisced about the 12 years he has spent working in the same building alongside owner Popi Pribojac.
"It's been absolutely brilliant because the two shops complement each other so well. We get on really well and have a good laugh," he said.
He said there have also been plenty of memories with other businesses on New Street over the years.
"There used to be a shop over the road called Kaos and we've actually had a badminton net across the road and played badminton in the street," he said. "We've had a lot of laughs."
A closing date hasn't been set but is expected to be around August.
