Yahoo News 'No regrets and tales to tell' - shop owner stepping down after 35 years
The owner of a Kings Langley shop said she will take “fond memories” away as she is stepping down after 35 years.
Louise Wood, 55, runs The Little Shop in Station Road, a one-stop shop for an all-day breakfast, sandwiches, hot drinks and newspapers.
But after over three decades, the business owner has decided it is time for a change as her and her partner Gareth, 57, are moving away for a "change of pace".
The Little Shop owner Louise and her partner Gareth. (Image: Louise Wood)
She said: “Last June we decided that things need to come to a natural end and after having the shop for 35 years in April of this year, it has now gone up for auction.”
Louise, who grew up in Kings Langley, ran the business with her ex-partner for 22 years and has been the sole owner since then.
She now lives in Tring with Gareth, but after the sale they are planning to move to Corby, near where he is originally from.
Gareth and Louise outside The Little Shop, Kings Langley. (Image: Louise Wood)
The shop owner said going forwards they will take up part-time jobs, adding: “The plan is to take life a little bit easier!”
Reflecting on her time behind the counter, she continued: “I will definitely take fond memories from my time there. I’ve got no regrets and lots of tales to tell.
“Dealing with customers can sometimes be the most frustrating thing in the whole world, but for the one odd person, the other customers make up for them tenfold.”
Although the area around the business has changed over the last three decades, they have stuck to the classic dishes which they know people like and are cooked fresh to order in front of the customers.
Her partner has been running the shop since autumn as she has been unable to work while her leg is currently in a cast.
Louise said: “Not being able to work since October has been a big, big strain for me because it's been my life for 35 years.
“But I've made some really good friends since I’ve been there and I’ve found that even more with my foot being in a plaster. I have just seen how good they are with being supportive and helping Gareth with everything to do with the shop.”
The business has now been listed by auctioneers Pattinson with a starting price of £130,000. It is billed as a “great opportunity” due to its close proximity to Kings Langley Station and The Dock business park.
