It is 25 years since Dee and Chris set foot in Rye and, living in Bexhill they often visited the town after that. At first, they rented the shop in the High Street which now is Eddie Franks. After a year, when the corner shop on Strand Court at Strand Quay became available, they decided to buy a long lease and move their shop Choice China and Gifts. They already rented a shop in Brighton and one in Hastings and they felt that this location was more suitable for their items, being near the Rye Heritage Centre, a cafe and for passing trade.
The inside was bigger than their High Street shop and the layout was better to display their varied goods, having two windows for display and room to keep their stock. And, sure enough, Dee and Chris said it was a good decision as the business was doing very well, even after the lockdown, which was difficult for them. Dee said last year was their best one ever. Both felt that having the three shops, keeping them stocked and keeping ten staff happy was a very busy life but very rewarding. They gave up the Brighton and Hastings shop some time ago to concentrate on Rye. Both decided it was time after 24 years to retire to pursue some of their personal goals, mainly to travel which they were unable to do before.
Asked what they felt had changed over the 24 years, they said not very much except the closure of all the banks, which Dee felt was a bad move as quite a few tourists come here and often need a bank as well as food on Sunday, so a proper / larger supermarket would be good in Rye. The Nationwide is still open, but their hours are limited.
The sale in the last month has gone very well, and Chris said that they have more or less sold all their stock with just a few items left which make up half the shop, keeping it open till end of September.
Dee reported that one customer asked: “Why are you retiring? The shop will be missed.” She responded: “I can’t stand here all my life.” Customer: “Well the queen did.” Dee: “It was her duty and she had no choice, we have.”
Dee and Chris are exercising their choice and are really looking forward to the next venture without the difficult though pleasurable pressure of the last 24 years. It will be interesting to see who will buy the shop and what new business is offered in Rye. Any interested party should phone 01797 223 200.
Image Credits: Heidi Foster .