‘Such a shame’

There was a wide range of stock, including books, stationery, toys, leather goods, cards and gifts, and so there were plenty of interesting deliveries.

The customers were friendly and loyal and enjoyed the slightly old-fashioned helpfulness and conversation we had the time to share with them, and it was a happy and pleasant place to work.

I understood the new owners were ill and, because of their illness, had not been able to get into the shop for months.

So I, like the other ladies, worked many, many extra hours and we all put in a lot of effort trying to keep the shop open in their absence.

One lady in particular worked relentlessly throughout this difficult time.

Nevertheless, it came as a huge surprise to be told on Friday, October 7, that the next day was the start of the closing down sale.

No one expected it; Edlows had always been part of Rustington.

Our regular customers were in shock, saying “Why had it happened?”, “How had it happened?”, “We will miss you so much”, and we had to stop them from being so kind and well-intentioned as we were all trying our hardest not to break down and cry, and their kindness was making it very difficult.

We did get through that closing down week – it was hectic, which in a way was a help, as the time flew by and we were far too busy to dwell on the sadness of the shop going forever.

It is such a shame Rustington has lost one of its long-standing, great old shops.

Chris Sturgess

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Littlehampton