With much sadness, owner Victoria Murphy said the business just cannot survive any longer.
LEESBURG – After opening almost 20 years ago, Victoria’s Antique Warehouse in downtown Leesburg will soon close its doors for good.
With much sadness, owner Victoria Murphy said the business just cannot survive any longer.
“Unfortunately we just don’t have the business we used to,” Murphy said. “We used to get a lot of people in from The Villages but I’ve noticed that declining, too.”
Murphy opened the shabby chic warehouse May 1, 2000, where she showcased her unique inventory of antique furniture, decor, heirloom pieces, reclaimed treasures and architectural finds from European countries like France and Belgium. Victoria’s also specialized in building and repurposing furniture in the back warehouse.
“Pieces special enough to become antiques possess a blend of timeless craftsmanship and design, elements that many chain specialty furniture stores attempt to reproduce,” Murphy stated on her website. “But one glimpse and it’s clear that modern mass-production can’t come close to replicating the charm and craftsmanship of genuine antiques.”
The news of the closing on Facebook took many of her long-time customers by surprise.
“I’m very sad to see your shop close,” Nancy Dunk Humes said. “It’s been my favorite place in downtown Leesburg. I love everything I have from there and enjoy just stopping in. I’ll miss being able to pop in and seeing you and Shawn. Thanks for sharing your talent with us for so many years. Prayers and best wishes as you move forward with other plans.”
Where will Murphy go from here? The future is still unclear.
“I’m not really sure what I’ll do, but I’ll find something,” Murphy said. “I’m only 75. I haven’t come this far to quit now. I don’t want to just sit at home.”
Since 2000, Murphy has watched other downtown businesses come and go, but ultimately transform into something she is amazed at.
“I think it’s ten times better than when we first began,” Murphy said. “The Partnership has done a fantastic job promoting downtown and getting all the grants to improve the streets. It’s just wonderful to see it come alive. Unfortunately, we just couldn’t keep going. I’ll definitely miss it.”
No official closing date has been set. Everything is currently 50 percent off ticket price and will continue until most everything is sold.
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