Iconic store owned by daughter of TV legend SHUTS as fans reveal ‘heartbreak’ over ‘true loss’
AN iconic store owned by the daughter of an 80s legend has shut – with fans revealing their “heartbreak” over the “true loss”.
The Village Trading Store in Acton, west London is run by Laura Forsyth, the daughter of Strictly and Generation Game star Bruce.
Laura has managed the popular gift shop since 2009 – but has now decided to call it a day.
Posting on social media, she said: “The end of an era – my lease is almost up.
“I have decided not to renew, so it is time to say goodbye to the Orange store on Churchfield Road.
“This decision is not with a heavy heart, I have had many wonderful memories. Even through uncertain times, I have kept smiling.
“Celebrating the friendship and loyalty of our amazing customers, particularly during the pandemic when your loyalty kept us going.”
The shop will stay open over Christmas before closing at the end of January.
Laura will carry on selling homeware, jewellery, vintage clothes and furniture online and at pop-up stalls, MyLondon reports.
One fan said: “The Village Trading Store is an institution in Acton. So many wonderful and unique gifts I bought.
“The kids always loved coming into the shop. It will be a true loss for Churchfield Road.”
They added: “Thank you for all you have done and offered for the community.”
Another said: “That is sad news, I loved going in and browsing. I hope your shop is used for something similar going forward.”
Bruce Forsyth's incredible career
NATIONAL treasure Sir Bruce Forsyth was best known for his catchphrases - winning him the hearts of TV viewers across Britain
With a TV career spanning more than 75 years, Bruce appeared on dozens of programmes during his time on screen.
His Strictly catchphrases have become part of our everyday liveswith “Nice to see you, to see you…nice”, “You’re my favourite”, and “Keep Dancin'” among some of the most popular.
The entertainer, who died at the age of 89, was famous for his roles on The Generation Game, The Price is Right and Strictly Come Dancing to name just a few.
Bruce was first and foremost a performer – but even he had trouble keeping up with his most bizarre co-stars ever, The Muppets.
The star sang and danced his way through a special one off routine for the iconic kids TV show – cementing his reputation with it.
The TV presenter gave everyone more than he bargained for when he performed a ludicrous and hilarious routine with a ballerina on The Generation Game in 1990.
Keeping hold of a balloon between them, Brucie left the audience in hysterics as he appeared in a pair of shockingly tight dancer’s tights.
He then had the dancer go between his legs, patting her bottom on the way up.
There wasn’t a dry eye in the house when Bruce was surprised with the Special Recognition award at the National Television Awards in 2011.
Brucie’s Strictly Come Dancing co-star Tess Daly led the tears as he went up to receive his award, with the entire arena rising in a standing ovation.
However, the 84-year-old told the audience: “I suppose now is as good a time as any to announce my retirement…”
As the guests recoiled in horror, he then added:”…but I’m not bloody going to!”
Bruce Forsyth’s career in television is incomparable – but if anyone ever has a chance to match it, it’s Geordie duo Ant & Dec.
So it was a sight to be seen with the three icons appeared together at the NTAs to perform a slightly adapted version of Nat King Cole’s Let There Be Love.
And while no-one compared to Brucie – this made an iconic bit of TV.
Viewers were sad to learn Sir Bruce was retiring from Strictly Come Dancing in 2013 after eleven series – passing the torch to Claudia Winkleman.
He returned for the Children In Need and Christmas specials in 2014 and 2015.
However, his ailing health stopped him from presenting in 2016 – and after 77 years, he officially announced his retirement.
Why are retailers closing stores?
RETAILERS have been feeling the squeeze since the pandemic, while shoppers are cutting back on spending due to the soaring cost of living crisis.
High energy costs and a move to shopping online after the pandemic are also taking a toll, and many high street shops have struggled to keep going.
The high street has seen a whole raft of closures over the past year, and more are coming.
The number of jobs lost in British retail dropped last year, but 120,000 people still lost their employment, figures have suggested.
Figures from the Centre for Retail Research revealed that 10,494 shops closed for the last time during 2023, and 119,405 jobs were lost in the sector.
It was fewer shops than had been lost for several years, and a reduction from 151,641 jobs lost in 2022.
The centre’s director, Professor Joshua Bamfield, said the improvement is “less bad” than good.
Although there were some big-name losses from the high street, including Wilko, many large companies had already gone bust before 2022, the centre said, such as Topshop owner Arcadia, Jessops and Debenhams.
“The cost-of-living crisis, inflation and increases in interest rates have led many consumers to tighten their belts, reducing retail spend,” Prof Bamfield said.
“Retailers themselves have suffered increasing energy and occupancy costs, staff shortages and falling demand that have made rebuilding profits after extensive store closures during the pandemic exceptionally difficult.”
Alongside Wilko, which employed around 12,000 people when it collapsed, 2023’s biggest failures included Paperchase, Cath Kidston, Planet Organic and Tile Giant.
The Centre for Retail Research said most stores were closed because companies were trying to reorganise and cut costs rather than the business failing.
However, experts have warned there will likely be more failures this year as consumers keep their belts tight and borrowing costs soar for businesses.
The Body Shop and Ted Baker are the biggest names to have already collapsed into administration this year.