A Nottingham stamp shop has closed in the city centre after more than 80 years of trading. The Nottingham Stamp Centre, situated across from the Theatre Royal, lowered its shutters for the final time on Saturday, July 20.
The business opened in Woolston Street at the height of the Second World War in 1942, originally supplying stamps for the armed forces. In more recent years, it has attracted a steady stream of hobbyists with its rare stamps from across the world.
Its owner David Hardy said “with great sadness” he would now be shutting the shop, but said he would still be hiring a room for one day a week in nearby Goldsmith Street. In a notice, he wrote: “It is with great sadness that I have to announce that the Nottingham Stamp Centre Ltd will close on Saturday July 20.
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“However, I am not going to disappear, as I will be hiring a room at the Belgrave Rooms, Masonic Hall, Goldsmith Street, approx. 300 – 400 yards away, every Tuesday, from 20th August between 10am and 3.30pm.
“I will also continue to trade through the post and online, and the discount 2nd and 1st class stamps can also be ordered for postal delivery. Our website will also have all our contact details, and details of when and where I will be.
“I look forward to continuing to serve you for some time yet.” Mr Hardy said he would be at the Postcard and Collectors Fair in Lenton on September 7, as well as the Derby Stamp Fair in Alvaston on September 14.
Speaking in 2017, the stamp enthusiast said stamp collecting – or philately – had a “strong future” in Nottingham. He told NottsTV: “I’m planning to be here for the next 10 years, there appears to be no imminent decline in the area.
“Whilst the internet is a growing area for bringing younger generations into the hobby, a lot of people still want and need to see the stamps before they buy them.”
