Willowgreen Home and Gift shop closes after 12 years

Amanda Dutton has run Willowgreen Home and Gift, in Davenham, since she opened the business in 2011.

The 55-year-old mum-of-two, who also lives in the village, devoted much of the last 12 years of her life to making the London Road shop such a success.

But with the lease on her premises expiring this year, Amanda took the opportunity to take a step back for a well-earned break before she looks to start a new journey.

"The outpouring of support has just blown me away," she said. "I've been in my own little bubble and it's only when you announce you're closing you realise how much the shop has meant to people.

"I've met so many new people and you learn about their lives, their stories, what's happening, and people do share their trials and tribulations, good news, bad news, and it's a real privilege people have felt comfortable and trusted us to do that.

Amanda (third from left) surrounded by Willowgreen customers (Image: Sara Mak)

"Those relationships we've developed with customers has been shown massively with their response to the closure announcement and their messages and reaction to it.

"The cards, gifts, flowers - it's been quite overwhelming.

"As much as I've loved it, it's a lifestyle rather than a job. My weekends are taken up; when I'm on holiday, I'm still making sure deliveries happen and orders are fulfilled.

"So I decided I need to step back as it's extremely demanding. I'm taking a 'gap six months' before I start looking for another job out there."

The popular shop had its last day of trading on Saturday, July 1, when customers came together to surprise Amanda and mark the occasion.

The surprise cake for Willowgreen - still collecting for its chosen charity on the final day (Image: Sara Mak)

A surprise celebration cake, made by talented local baker Helen Kennedy, was provided with one David Beckham also making a special guest appearance, albeit in cardboard cut-out form. 

Over the years, Amanda has been helped out by friends Katie Mattinson, Jane Mather and most recently Lauren Knop, who have shared her passion and vision for Willowgreen.

Husband Mark, and sons Joe, 25, and Ben, 21, have also supported Amanda over the years and shared in her journey, which has seen the shop thrive and survive the Covid pandemic.

She added: "Without my husband, I definitely couldn't have done the shop. He's been a driving force and helpful every step of the way.

"And I have had three lovely ladies helping me at different times.

"They've helped me stay sane, quite frankly, and because the shop is open 52 weeks of the year, having somebody there who could cover when I needed a break was paramount.

Amanda with Down Syndrome Cheshire CEO Julie Duff and her son Joshua (Image: Sara Mak)

"They've been fantastic."

While it took a few years for Amanda to learn the ropes of running her own business, one thing has been constant - her drive to do what she could for her customers and her support for Northwich charity Down Syndrome Cheshire, for which she has raised thousands over the years.

Charity CEO Julie Duff attended Willowgreen's final trading day with her son Joshua, who has Down Syndrome.

Also in attendance, was Northwich town mayor Jane Thomas, who said: "Many have benefitted from the expertise of Amanda and Lauren to find that perfect gift for friends, family and teachers - often at the very last minute.

"In fact, many husbands, partners and dads have also benefitted from some ‘emergency’ gift consultation ahead of Mother's Day, birthdays and anniversaries too!

"As Amanda turned the closed sign for the final time we’d all like to thank her for making the village a welcoming place to visit, supporting our local community and economy and most of all for the warm welcome and listening ear she has always provided for everyone who has walked through that door."