A BUSINESS which has stood on the edge of Basildon for more than four decades has closed its doors today as its owner “semi-retires” and moves his business online.
Tony Rowan, 76, fondly nicknamed “Tony Five Bells” by his customers, is closing his Five Bells Furnishers shop on Bells Hill Road today after 44 years of business.
He plans to “semi-retire” by closing the store and moving his re-upholstery business online, after taking over the business from his father-in law.
Reflecting on 44 years in business, Tony said: “It’s been really good. Lots of people know me, I go on holiday and people come up to me and say ‘it’s the furniture man’.
“People have not been coming in as much recently, it’s been quiet. I’m looking forward to semi-retiring, I have lots of people coming in to say goodbye, and I have had lots of messages on Facebook.
“I was sad at first, but I am warming up to the idea. I just hope I am kept busy with the re-upholstery.”
The store opened in 1980, having originally started as a stall in Basildon market run by his father-in-law, Harry Paget, who passed away in 1982.
Tony had rented the shop in Fobbing from Len Chappel, a farmer who owned lots of land in the area, for £15 a week at the time.
Tony recalled Mr Chappel’s cows would often get out on the A13 in his early days, causing traffic chaos and requiring him to help corral them.
His wife, Jackie Rowan, added the business sold three-piece suites and furniture in Basildon’s Eastgate, before becoming two log cabins, and later the reupholstery service moved into their Bells Hill Road location.
Jackie said: “It’s been really stressful, 44 years of goods have all had to come out.
“It’s sad, we’ve got many people we’re leaving behind. We’re definitely looking forward to the semi-retirement.
“We would like to thank everyone so much for their custom, friendship, and coming to see us after this was announced.
“It’s been a wonderful family business, it’s been our life.”
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