A family-run business in Nottingham is set to close its doors after 40 "wonderful" years on the high street. Diddlyland is located in Woodborough Road in Mapperley and sells baby products to parents and families across the city.
The business have now announced it will be closing and is running a retirement sale to sell off its remaining stock. Currently run by Bill Bedward, 70, and his daughter Hayley, it will shut for the final time in mid-June when the lease on the building runs out.
Mr Bedward, who lives in Mapperley, said: "The first owner had it for 20 years and I took over with my wife 20 years ago when she was alive. In mid-June it will be 20 years since then and it will be our time to close. It's been a big part of our lives.
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"My daughter has received hundreds of text messages from customers which has been nice. At one point the two of us were running it seven days a week which does really take its toll. But it's been wonderful - and really nice to receive those messages. You don't realise how many customers you have served over the years.
"As the years go on things change - everything is going online now. Covid hasn't helped, it drove everyone to buy online. It's been a good 20 years. We've had some nice customers and some awful ones as you do in this industry, but you find the nice ones outweigh the others."
The business was forced to close during lockdown as it was not classed as an essential service - even though some parents needed car seats to be allowed to take their children home from the hospital.
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Announcing the news in a Facebook post, it said: "For 40 years Diddyland has been bringing you the best for babies and toddlers. Now it’s time to say goodbye with our Diddyland Retirement sale.
"Everything must go - from push chairs and car seats to toys, baby gifts, stair gates and more – Save up to 50% with big savings on all our top brands including Eye Candy, Mamas and Papas, Oyster, Silver Cross, Maxi Cosi and many more. Starting Easter Monday April 18th in Woodborough Road, Mapperley Top. The Diddyland Retirement Sale - Everything must go!"
Since launching the sale, Nottinghamshire Live has been told it has been "rammed" at the store with lots of customers coming in and buying products. Their prices have been slashed during the sale and Mr Bedward has urged anyone who wants to take advantage of the sale to get there quickly.
He has also reassured customers that any remaining stock will be moved to their showroom around the corner for collections after the shop closes.
Mr Bedward plans to spend his retirement watching his grandson Miles Knight, a local musician, as he plays local venues and festivals he has coming up.
