Country Flair Glass and Gifts, in Water Street, Lavenham, up for sale as owner set to retire

The owner of a popular village gift shop has put the businesses up for sale.

Katrina Farrow launched Country Flair Glass and Gifts, in Water Street, Lavenham, near Sudbury, 12 years ago.

It had been the former care worker’s dream to run a shop and she says she has ‘loved every minute’.

But the 66-year-old said she felt the time was right to retire, so she could spend more time with her family and go travelling.

“I have very mixed feelings about it as I have loved every minute running the shop and all of the people I have met over the years, including the customers and makers,” she said.

“I just felt the time is right to retire and spend more time with my son, daughter and grandson and also to go travelling.”

Katrina added: “It was always my dream to run a shop as I started work in a clothes shop on Market Hill, when I was 16.

“Then, after working for Age UK for seven years, I was inspired to launch my first venture after being after visiting Cornwall and seeing Jo Downs’ handmade glassware.”

Country Flair sells everything from handmade glassware to ornaments, jewellery, soaps, throws, stationery, caps, aprons, china mugs and art.

“The stock is all produced by people I have met locally or while on holiday,” said Katrina, of Great Waldingfield. “Some have also come to visit me.

“We even have a WhatsApp group to keep in touch, as we are lone workers. The business comes with all the contacts, too.

“I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone that has supported Country Flair throughout the years and to the independent artists that make such wonderful things for me to be able to sell in the shop.”

Country Flair is set over three floors in a medieval building. The business is for sale, including the stock and furnishings, and any prospective owner would need to rent the building from the current landlord.

“It’s made a profit every month, especially from March to December when the coaches arrive,” said Katrina.

”It’s across the road from the Swan Hotel, too, and it has been very supportive.

“It’s a lovely building with high ceilings and heavy beams throughout – and in a row of award-winning businesses from jewellers to butchers.”