Retail veteran David Green caps off 40 years of success as Wymondham’s Handbag and Leather Shop is to close

David Green, 76, from Tacolneston, has decided to close his Handbag and Leather Shop in Fairland Street, Wymondham, which he opened in 1976.

Mr Green said many things had changed in his time at the store, but the fundamentals of the leather trade remained the same.

He said: 'People have become more aware of designer shapes and styles in recent years. And in the early days, a lot of leather goods were English made but very little of it is now.

'But there are some superb goods coming out of India and China, and some of the leading brands still come from Italy.'

David Green will be closing his shop in Wymondham at the end of January, for over 40 years, Handbag and Leather has supplied the town. Pictured here with his son Andrew who has also been involved with the business over the years. Sonya Duncan Copyright: Archant 2016 (Image: Archant 2016)

Mr Green started his career aged 19 working for MacLaren Handbags of Norwich, and eventually decided to branch out on his own, first becoming an agent for other retailers.

He said: 'I ran three of their shops for them and then I decided that I would like to be selling handbags for the trade. From that I decided to open a shop.'

Mr Green said he planned to continue to work as an agent for the time being, but said he would enjoy having more free time.

The shop sells a mixture of handbags, purses, suitcases, slippers, shoes and other leather goods.

Mr Green said he the time felt right to sell the shop when someone made an offer to buy it, and turn it into another business.

He said: 'I can't say what it will be, but I'm pleased that it will continue as a retail shop.'

He is now having a closing down sale and although no final date has been set, Mr Green said the shop would close by the end of the month.

He said: 'It has been really nice being here over the past couple of weeks. A lot of customers have been saying how much they will miss the shop.'