What is the concept of the shop’s layout?
To have a wide variety of ever-changing and really interesting items (large and small) from all different eras and to show how pieces can sit together well.
Every week – and sometimes everyday – the layout changes.
How did you choose the location?
We opened the shop in September 2017. The location is off a main road that serves Harlow, Sawbridgeworth and Bishops Stortford.
It’s five minutes from main motorways and we also have lots of parking.
Who works at the shop now?
Currently it’s the two of us. We’re a husband-and-wife team and are very flexible with the roles that we have. We are big on marketing, so therefore are well-known locally and further afield, which means that much of what we sell comes to us. That helps balance our duties sourcing stock with other shop-owning responsibilities.
What shops are around you and how does this affect the area?
Down the road from us are the collection of very well-known antiques showrooms at the Maltings, making the area a real hub for antiques.
The biggest challenge?
Ensuring really good stock turnover. We are a trade warehouse where public are welcome too, so we sell at good prices to move older pieces quickly and keep the shop fresh with new items.
Given an unlimited budget, what one change would you make?
We would build another floor to have even more space for our eclectic mix of items.
Any celebrity visits?
In January this year we were filmed for Discovery Channel’s Salvage Hunters with Drew Pritchard, who bought some great items from us. The episode will be on television in March or April (check our website for the date).
Antiques and Chic, 111 London Road, Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire, CM21 9JJ
