Thriving antiques business finds historic home, aided by John Truslove
An antiques business is opening up in a new home that suits it down to the ground – a 17th Century Grade II listed shop in Alcester – with the help of commercial property agents John Truslove.
After a career in a range of retail businesses, including Next and M&S, Alan Hinett launched his business back in 2005, turning an abiding interest in buying and selling antiques into a passion and a career.
With a thriving online operation built at its base at a 17th century barn at Flyford Flavell, Alan decided the time was right to move Windmill Hill Antiques to shop premises.
He said: “I was looking for somewhere with character, and Alcester is a lovely town with lots of independent stores. I spotted the shop in the High Street and it was being handled by property agents John Truslove, who I knew from working with them over my barn premises.”
Ben Truslove, joint managing director of John Truslove, worked with Alan to secure a five-year lease on 11a High Street, Alcester, an 1,172 sq ft property, for £10,950 per annum.
The timber-framed building dates to the early 17th century with an early 19th century shop frontage. There is also a two storey flat above the ground floor shop.
Alan said: “It has real character, which makes it even more attractive to visitors.
Around 60% of our business is online but many customers still want to touch and see items before buying. People have much more eclectic tastes and want their homes to have individual style, and a hand-made antique work of art or piece of furniture can provide that.
“People also like the ‘green’ idea of reusing something old and beautiful, rather than buying something new.”
Ben Truslove added: “Alcester is a busy market town, ideal for a quality antiques business like Windmill Hill. It is close to Stratford-upon-Avon, which adds to the footfall, and these historic premises suit Alan’s business down to the ground.
“Here at John Truslove, we pride ourselves on finding the right premises for the right client, and the right tenant for the right landlord. It’s why we are the agency of choice for any business looking for premises in this region.”
For more details of Windmill Hill Antiques, see www.windmillhillinteriors.com
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