Linda Gilfrin jewellers at the east end of the High Street is up for sale as the owner is retiring after 49 years.
“I would love it to continue as a jewellers — it’s always been highly thought of in town,” says Linda, who’s hoping to sell what must be Rye’s oldest shop of this type as a going concern.
The premises, which have seen only six owners since opening as a jewellers in 1866, are being marketed for £550,000 by Eastbourne estate agents GPS Commercial. The property includes residential accommodation and one of the finest views in all of Rye.
Linda originally worked for Eastbourne Jewellers but started at the Rye shop in 1976 after jewellery wholesaler and watch parts supplier Clive Sanders took over the shop from Dorothy Woolger and her husband. About ten years later Linda herself bought the freehold to the shop.
The enterprise remains a profitable business, she says. While online shopping has gradually changed the retail scene, there continues to be opportunity for bricks and mortar shops to thrive. “People still like personal service for some things,” says Linda, who points out that she sells a diverse range of jewellery from virtually every era. Stock is currently being offered at a 20% discount ahead of her retirement.
Linda doesn’t have a fixed date for her departure, as this is likely to depend on when her High Street shop is sold.
In other property news, just off the High Street the well-known Cobbles tea room — famous for its cream teas — is being offered for a leasehold asking price of £115,000.
Image Credits: David Worwood .