Owners of popular Aldgate toy shop on hunt for new owner before they retire next year
Kaye and Malcolm Hill, affectionately known as Mr and Mrs Claus among Hills locals, hope they can find a new owner for their popular Aldgate toy shop, before they retire early next year.
Adelaide Hills
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Kaye and Malcolm Hill desperately hope they can find someone to take over their Aldgate toy shop before they retire early next year.
The couple, affectionately known as Mr and Mrs Claus among locals, have run Greenhills of Aldgate for the past 15 years.
It is one of the longest-running toy shops in the Hills.
Now both aged in their 70s, the Hills plan to retire early next year, but hope someone will step in to buy the business, and keep the tradition of selling old-fashioned toys alive.
“We actually never intended on running a toy shop, it all happened by accident,” Mrs Hill says.
“This used to be an antiques and needlework business and we only bought it as we wanted to display Malcolm’s tapestries.
“We got rid of the antiques pretty quickly, because we knew nothing about it, but still sold gifts. Then one day our son suggested getting some kids’ motor cars and that really was the beginning of us selling toys.”
Today, Greenhills of Aldgate is one of the region’s busiest toy shops, attracting customers from near and far wanting to experience its magic.
Mr Hill can often be found performing tricks for visitors young and old.
“It’s a bit of fun. I enjoy it, the kids enjoy it, and so do their parents,” he says.
“We want people to leave the shop happy and offer them an experience they don’t get in other toy shops.
“We also don’t sell anything online or do social media. So this is how we sell ourselves and it seems to be working. Many of our customers are regulars.”
While the couple says that the shop has been the perfect addition to their lives, they agree it is tme to make their final disappearing act.
However, the Hills community is desperate to see their shop remain open, and they are appealing for someone to consider taking over the business.
“All we’re asking is around $35,000 for the stock and $5000 for the shelving,” Mrs Hill says.
“The owner of the building has also agreed to work out a new lease agreement if we can find a buyer.
“We think it would be perfect for a recently retired couple, a bit younger than us of course, wanting to offset their retirement.
“Of course they will have to like children and toys.
“But anyone who takes over will find it really rewarding. We certainly have.”