A jewellery store that has been an institution in the city for nearly 30 years is closing.
With a sad heart Jenny Maddocks, owner of Abraxas, is closing the shop in the Royal Arcade.
A long-standing resident of the 'cherished arcade', Mrs Maddocks, from Wymondham, will today lock-up for the last time.
For decades it has stocked unusual and unique pieces of jewellery from designers across Europe and has built up a reputation for excellent customer service.
Abraxas was founded by Mrs Maddocks' husband, Richard and his brother John, 28 years ago.
The business began with a small store in Timber Hill, it then moved to St Stephens and opened another branch in London Street before settling in the majestic setting of the Royal Arcade for more than 22 years.
The couple worked happily side by side for many years, until Richard Maddocks passed away.
Jenny Maddocks said: 'We enjoyed every minute working here and after his death I have tried my hardest, I kept our reputation going but I have decided it is worth going into early retirement.'
She added that with more people shopping online and spending time in the city's shopping centres, it was getting harder for independent businesses - especially with the high price of rent and rates.
'It seems as though the time is right as the lease is up here too. Abraxas has been an institution in the fondest of terms and I have always thought that buying jewelry is a really special thing. I would like to thank our loyal customers and I am very proud and humble about what we have achieved.'
She added that one of the store's greatest achievements was when it was asked to design a cross for Norwich Cathedral in 1998 and they were given some stone from the iconic building to use as inlays - only a few are still on sale.
She said: 'If the right time comes we might pop up again, never say never.'
- If you have a news story, email jemma.walker@archant.co.uk
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