14/02/2026
This was a post I didn’t want to make, I wanted to end my time in the shop with grace and dignity. However, as things are developing I feel the need to clear the air.
Thank you everyone for the support you have shown me over the past couple of months, it’s warmed my heart to hear people’s memories and happy stories from their time in the shop.
Around 2000 Yesteryears Toy Shop was opened by Mike and Georgina. I started working there in 2011 as weekend staff. Throughout my time at school and university I worked holidays and odd days where I could- I loved it!
In 2018 Mike and Georgina approached me, saying they wished to semi retire (continuing their shop next door) and they asked if I would be willing to take on the shop as my own to continue their legacy, with them as my landlords. I was honoured, excited and grateful for such an amazing opportunity- and this will be something I carry with me, despite what’s happened since. They offered me an incredible opportunity at a young age, and I will always thank them for that. In 2019, at their wish, we transferred the business to my name quietly and without fanfare.
The business became mine and I continued to run it successfully through a global pandemic, losing close family members, my wedding and the birth of my daughter. Upon returning from maternity leave I received a letter asking that I vacate the property due to a change in my landlords personal circumstances. Whilst I was upset and confused at this, I accepted the terms and started to lower my stock levels and make arrangements to leave the premises. Which I did quietly, in January 2026 following 1 single social media post that explained the situation as I understood it at the time.
Since the post I have been made aware that the business was to reopen under new ownership. My business. That I have not sold, passed on or agreed to exchange. The business I put my heart and soul into for 14 years, 7 of those as my own.
I do not know why this has happened. I do not know what triggered this series of events for my business to be taken from under me.
Whilst I am glad Conwy town hasn’t lost such a treasured shop, I’m heartbroken and confused as to why decisions were made without me in the room, or why someone believed I no longer deserved the honour of running my own business.
Thank you for taking the time to read, I am turning comments off. This has been a truly upsetting and stressful time.
