After five decades of serving the community, a cherished antique business in Somerset is preparing to close its doors for the final time. The Antiques Bazaar, located at the Old Textile Mill in Crewkerne, will cease trading on Tuesday, March 31, marking the end of an era for the region's largest centre for antique and vintage collectables.
A Well-Deserved Retirement After Half a Century
The decision to close comes from owner Anthony Bucke, who at 72 years old has announced his retirement after 50 years of continuous operation in Crewkerne. Bucke described his feelings as "mixed" but filled with "very happy memories" as he prepares to step away from the business he has nurtured for so long.
"After 50 years of trading in Crewkerne, it is time for me to retire," Bucke stated in his closure announcement. He emphasised that the last 14 years specifically at The Antiques Bazaar have been "amazing," praising the "friendly, professional bunch of traders" who have helped source remarkable stock that kept customers returning.
Generations of Customers and Diverse Inventory
The business has served multiple generations of local families, with Bucke noting a recent transaction that exemplified this legacy. "Only this week, I delivered a large oak court cupboard to a young man who represented the third generation of his family, all of whom have been my customers over the past 50 years," he shared.
Throughout its operation, The Antiques Bazaar offered an extensive range of items, from bespoke designer furniture and antique jewellery to vintage clothing. Prices varied significantly, starting from just 50p for smaller pieces and reaching over £1,000 for particularly rare and valuable finds.
Property Now on the Market
With the business closing, the premises at the Old Textile Mill are now being marketed for sale. Estate agents Greenslade Taylor Hunt (GTH) have listed the property with a guide price of £750,000, presenting an opportunity for new commercial development in Crewkerne.
The closure represents not just the end of a business, but the conclusion of a significant chapter in Crewkerne's commercial history, leaving behind a legacy of three generations of family ownership and half a century of service to antique enthusiasts across Somerset.
