Article & Photography: Matt Bigwood
Fiona Parsons, also known as Fifi, has made the tough decision to call time on her much-loved High Street shop.
She opened Fifi’s Fancy Furniture in 2019, but trading conditions have forced her to make the tough decision to close the doors for the final time later this year.
“I have been trading in Wotton-under-Edge for nearly nine years now, the last five and a half years in the current shop. I have loved being part of the High Street, so it has been a very difficult decision to close the shop, but since March it has been harder and harder to make ends meet with rising costs and lower profits, and it is no longer sustainable,” explained Fifi.
“I have a very eclectic shop which is what I love about it the most. I source all my stock from auctions, giant flea fairs, house clearances, dealers and people coming in and offering me random things. We upcycle wherever possible and try and keep things out of landfill.
“We sell the fabulous Frenchic Paint and products, and we inspire people to have a go at upcycling their own furniture pieces. We sell all sorts of things not just furniture but object d’art, antiques, sculptures, artwork, garden wares, garden furniture, china, cushions and cards.”
Fifi plans to continue trading, but will make significant changes to the business: “The future is still in the planning stage in some ways but we will definitely carry on trading as Fifi’s Fancy Furniture on eBay,
Facebook, Instagram and we have a concession at The Malthouse Collective in Stroud.
“I will also sell in person at various Flea Markets and Fairs such as Malvern and Shepton Mallet. Not being in the shop will give me more time to be creative too which I am really looking forward to.”
Fifi has built a loyal following on her Facebook page and does a Live video each Friday morning: “It’s a chance to show viewers around the shop and talk shop life and we have gained many followers and friends as a result of this so even though we will no longer be in the shop we will try and keep this going either from my home or from various locations. Stay tuned if you want to see what transpires after shop life!
“Undoubtedly the high points of my time in Wotton have been the people – my fellow shop keepers have always been so supportive of one another, the amazing customers, many of whom have become friends and of course the local folk who have been coming in for years and bring their friends and family when they come to visit.
“We aim to trade up until just after Christmas and then empty the shop completely of any remaining items. I will certainly shed some tears as I hand back the keys on my last day that’s for sure.”