Williams Stores in Grundisburgh was run by four daughters

Williams Stores, on The Green in Grundisburgh, has been run by the four daughters of original owners Ray and Joyce Williams since 2017, but now the quartet wish to move on and pursue other interests.

A store has stood at the site since the 19th century and was taken over by TV and radio engineer Ray Williams, who ran his own thriving electrical business with his wife Joyce, alongside a general and hardware store. 

Ray and Joyce Williams inside Williams Stores in Grundisburgh (Image: Submitted) After Mr Williams died in 2003, his wife continued to run the store until her death in 2017 aged 92.

The business was then handed down to the sisters and managed by one of them - Rosie Venn, who continued with the main business incorporating a coffee shop called The Old Drapery Coffee Shop.

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After taking over the store, Mr and Mrs Williams stopped selling food because of other food shops in the village, including greengrocers and bakers.

Ray and Joyce Williams pictured outside Williams Stores (Image: Submitted) The store also sells plants provided by Katie's Garden Plant Centre in Newbourne and is an agent for Danes Laundry, while it also sells hardware.

The shop and coffee shop is part of a seven bedroom house, which is also on the market.

Mr Williams died in 2003, after which his wife ran the store until she died in 2017 aged 92, at which point the reins were handed over to the couple's four daughters.

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In a message on Facebook, the daughters spoke of their "mixed emotions" that the store was closing down.

They said: "Many of you have noticed the distinct black and orange 'sold' sign outside our lovely shop.

"It is with mixed emotions that we would like to announce that Williams Stores will be closing its doors for the final time on Saturday, September 28 at 5pm, which will be our very last day of trading since our parents bought the house and shop in 1968."

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