'I'm very grateful' - Beloved Stowmarket independent to close after 58 years
Inces of Stowmarket, in Ipswich Street, will close its doors on January 31, 2026, due to the owner, John Kingsley, retiring due to his health.
The 70-year-old has working on the shopfloor since he was 12, taking over form his dad who opened the shop in 1967.
His older sister also worked at the store.
John Kingsley who is retiring from Inces of Stowmarket, and closing the business. Pictured with Derek Moore and Laura Fitzsimons (Image: Lucy Taylor)
Mr Kingsley said: "I've been very grateful for all the customers that have come to our shop, they have been so loyal and a lot of them are friends now.
"It's with a lot of sadness this has had to happen but things have to move on.
"Our staff have been brilliant and I've been really lucky to have so many good staff working here.
John Kingsley who is retiring from Inces of Stowmarket, and closing the business. (Image: Lucy Taylor)
"Since we said we were closing we've had a lot of people coming in that we haven't seen in a while, and it's always good to see them and it's really busy.
"I'm very grateful and honoured to be able to be in Stowmarket for so many years and to see the changes.
"We've updated the business quite a bit, new computers, new lights, new door, but it's all been great.
John Kingsley who is retiring from Inces of Stowmarket, and closing the business. (Image: Lucy Taylor)
"It'll be sad to see the staff here go, but life has to go on."
The shop has specialised in clothes and footwear and has been the go-to shop for parents at many different schools in the area to get their children's uniform.
John Kingsley who is retiring from Inces of Stowmarket, and closing the business. (Image: Lucy Taylor)
