Old Witney shop to move to other premises (From Witney Gazette)

Old Witney shop to move to other premises

10:48am Wednesday 23rd January 2008 in Witney By David Horne

ONE of the small band of independent shops still left in Witney is on the move.

Denis Green and Partners is quitting its premises, in Market Square, to make way for a cookware shop, one of a growing chain of stores in the south.

The Steamer Trading Cookshop, a family-owned business, founded in 1985 by Liz and David Phillips, is moving in during the summer.

But Denis Green, well-known for its fabrics and furnishings, is not shutting down. It will cease trading at Market Square at the end of May and relocate to other premises in the town, yet to be announced.

The shop has a loyal customer base, and in the past has attracted some of the longest queues in the town for its annual sales, held just after Christmas. One year, a man who had his eye on a bargain quality carpet camped outside the shop for two nights. In another year, a customer from South Leigh drove into town on his tractor through deep snow not to miss out on another furnishing bargain.

Colin Olliffe, partner who joined the business in 1969, and is retiring in May, said: "I can remember one time the queues went as far back as the Midland Bank (about 60 yards away)."

The other partners, Roger and Stan Green, are staying on. The business was founded by their father Denis Green, and moved to Market Square 39 years ago.

Ben Phillips, managing director of The Steamer Trading Cookshop, said: "We're delighted to have this opportunity to open in Witney and wish Denis Green all the best for the future."