The end of an era

Linda and Sean Ellis have had an adventurous life. They have lived for many years at various European locations, finally returning to the UK some 30 years ago and setting up shops in Brighton and Rye. While the Brighton shop closed some years ago, The Corner House in Rye has been a High Street fixture and popular destination for Rye residents and visitors, whether you are looking for a quality bag or a lost bear! As they approach retirement we asked them to reflect on their years in Rye.

“The end of an era” is what our customers are calling it. We are selling up and retiring after almost twenty years.

The Corner House and Bears Galore have been a prominent feature of Rye High Street since the mid seventies.

The Corner House quickly established itself as the place to buy quality leather goods in Rye, serving many generations of the same families. Even now, our customers recall their mothers’ treating themselves to that special handbag for Christmas.

Bears Galore is the second oldest stockist of Steiff after Harrods, and was one of the very first shops to start selling Charlie Bears back in 2006. Its low window, whether decorated for Christmas or Easter, proves a perfect attraction for children, and for sticky fingers too!

Right from the beginning, The Corner House has stocked, among others, traditional British brands such as Dents, Launer and Fulton. Queen Elizabeth II was never to be seen without a Launer handbag or a colour co-ordinated Fulton umbrella.

Not only will we miss selling bags and plush toys of such wonderful quality, but also the loyalty and conviviality of our customers.

Being situated in the High Street, in among other independent retailers, has made for a sociable and supportive environment and one which we will be sad to leave.

Image Credits: Peter Connock .