The Emporium in Devizes to Close

If Devizes boasts an abundance of independent gift shops of unique and exquisite or often novelty items in the face of a national pandemic of boarded up storefronts, it’s saddening to hear today The Emporium on St Johns Street is to close…..

It has been a stalwart in our town centre for generations, as long as I can recall, and it has seen off a number of similar shops. Once of a dark green façade, it was a creaking floorboard cavern, a treasure trove of curious and peculiar shiny things, from vintage clothes and Indian rugs, to charming novelty gifts and titillating joke books!

Teresa Garraud opened the shop in 1981 and ran it until retiring in 2019. The owners of the last decade Kate Suter and Kelly Harford reinvented it, gave it a fresher white design, and offered luxury gift items through the adjoining K Collection shop, but also adhered to keep it within the spirit Ms Garraud created, and has always been known and loved for.

At one point in recent history it was one of few places charms of such could be found in Devizes, now it seems it’s innovation has seen a blossoming of similar gift shops, online ones too, and with the growing popularity of craft fairs. If it sadly looked as if this is the last we will see of it, we now believe new owners have been found but are we are yet to know if they intend to continue trading as The Emporium or if products stocks will be similar.

Photo by http://www.gphillipsphotography.com

The Emporium told its Facebook followers, “The Emporium is closing down… All stock now half price!” and has not replied to the huge response in the comments section as townsfolk, flocking to show their respect for the gift shop:

“Such a great shop for gifts. One of my favourites.” “I’ve bought so many lovely gifts for people from here.” “Love your shop. Been going in here since I was 8 years old, I am 50 this year.” “I spent hours in there when growing up buying scented rubbers and notepaper.” “Great memories of spending my pocket money in here 35+ years ago!!” And many others comments of sympathy and fond recollections are flooding in.

Times change, Amazon has some great coupons for similar products. You should see HERE for some great codes and discounts.

We have been informed unofficially that someone is seeking to continue to run a shop at the location, but perhaps not in its current format. We wish Kate Suter and Kelly Harford our best wishes for the future.