A POPULAR furniture store is set to close its doors for a heartbreaking reason.
From painting in her front room to owning “the most beautiful shop” on the high street, Bronagh Hughes, 57, explained why her dream must come to an end.
After eight years in business, Vintage Co, on Baldock High Street in Hertfordshire, will close for good on February 28.
Hughes explained that Baldock’s decline in business with retailers, which gradually moved away, is partly to blame for her closure.
This, along with a recent diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease has forced Bronagh to make an “awful decision”, The Comet reports.
She said: “I have reached the point where I simply cannot make it work.”
However, Bronagh hopes to continue her business via social media for small projects only.
She said: “It was a dream of mine 30+ years ago to have a shop on the High Street and from where I stand I feel I have achieved everything I set out to do.”
In a Facebook post, Bronagh revealed all.
She said: “Okay, hard post coming up.
“From my humble beginnings 12 years ago at the Vintage Barn in Knebworth, I built up Vintage Co.
“I’ve gone from painting in my front room to having the most beautiful shop on Baldock High Street.
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”NatWest to close 53 bank branches in fresh blow to UK high street – see if your local is affected” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6367682165112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]“Sadly over the years business has slowed down, and I have reached the point where I simply cannot make it work.
“Health issues have added to the decision I have taken, and as of 28 February Vintage Co will no longer be on the High Street.
“I will continue with the social media and will carry on with smaller things, lampshades will still be available to order, and I’m hoping that I will be able to carry on albeit on a much smaller scale.
[authenticated-scripts src=”%3Cscript%20class%3D%22palin-poll%22%20src%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thesun.co.uk%2Fpollingwidgets%2Fv3%2Fwidget.js%3Fquestion_id%3D104346%26game%3Dpolling%22%3E%3C%2Fscript%3E” type=”embedded” width=”100″ /]“It was a dream of mine 30+ years ago to have a shop on the High Street and from where I stand I feel I have achieved everything I set out to do.
“I have met some lovely people and have made some beautiful friends, @emmafletcherjewellery being the main one, she deserves a medal that girl.
“She will still be at the end of the phone for any jewellery requirements you might have.
“Sorry for the long-winded post, there is so much I’d like to say, but for now, thank you to everyone that has supported me for my 8 years in Baldock, I couldn’t have done it without you xx”
Supportive comments from fans have flooded in.
One said: “Ah Bronagh’s I’m very sad to hear this, your shop is such a beautiful sight to see on our high street you should be so very proud of yourself for all you have done and achieved.
“Wishing you all the best for all you do in the future I hope to see you soon.”
While a second wrote: “Gutted for you mate, you’ve definitely grafted over the years and ultimately achieved your goal with the most unique shop in the High Street….Hats off to you.”
And a third said: “Sorry to hear this and lose another lovely trader from the high street. You will be missed.
They added: “I know how tough it can be. Please do leave some leaflets in our shop if you want or anything we can do to help in the future.
“Good luck hope to see you around.”
To which Bronagh replied: “It’s been a hard decision and I’m truly heartbroken but I have given it all I have.”
