Pedlars Antiques and Interiors selling up

IT HAS been a fixture on Magill Rd for three decades, but Pedlars Antiques and Interiors is about to close its historic doors for a final time – all due to a wardrobe.

Tony and Cheryl Spriggs are closing down their business after more than 30 years. Picture: Keryn Stevens

IT HAS been a fixture on Magill Rd for three decades, but Pedlars Antiques and Interiors is about to close its historic doors for a final time – all due to a wardrobe.

In March this year, Cheryl Spriggs, who owns the business with her husband Tony, was at her Norwood home waiting for Packers Wardrobes to install some cupboards.

A chance conversation between Ms Spriggs and the installer led to Packers putting in a successful – albeit undisclosed – offer to buy the historic Magill Rd business premises.

“I jokingly said to the man ‘you can rent a room in our beautiful building for your wardrobes’, but not being serious,” Ms Spriggs said.

“He had a look around, went away and then an offer came back to buy the building.

“But there was just one little matter.

“My husband, Tony, was in London and when I phoned to tell him he was a little taken aback. I think I caught him in a weak moment and it went from there.”

Ms Spriggs, 49, is Pedlars’ decorator, while Mr Spriggs, 57, is the buyer, often travelling interstate or overseas looking for that special piece that might win over a potential buyer.

Tony and Cheryl Spriggs. Picture: Keryn Stevens

Mr Spriggs has had the business for 30 years, Ms Spriggs joining him about five years later.

Over that time, there has been many items come and go, the quirkiest of which may well be a fake eyeball remover.

The couple, who were married in the old building, will remain involved in antiques – possibly setting up a warehouse or online business.

“It is still a bit of shock, but you could say we are hitting a reset button,” Ms Spriggs said.

“It is going to be hard and a bit emotional driving past here, as we just live up the road, but it was time to move on.”

Packers general manager Michael Kent said the move was the perfect fit for his business.

“We were coming to the end of our lease for our Norwood (Magill Rd) showroom, so the stars aligned by finding this place,” Mr Kent said.

“Being a heritage building, we won’t be doing anything outside the building and not changing much inside either.”

Pedlars will close on June 30.