Jo-Maree Kempthorne in her shop in Maclean St, Paraparaumu Beach.
After 33 years running a well-known gift shop at Paraparaumu Beach, Jo-Maree Kempthorne has decided to retire.
Her shop, Jo-Maree's Nik-Naks & Toys, in Maclean St, closes on Easter Saturday.
"Every supplier that I've been sending a note to saying I'm retiring has said 'that's a feat and a half'."
The shop started soon after Jo-Maree, who was dressmaking at home and working at Lucas Print, in Kapiti Rd, had a back operation.
A doctor advised her not to work with, or for, anyone.
"He went to my husband [John Kempthorne] who was in the waiting room and said 'can you put her in a shop and let her play?"
Jo-Maree Nik-Naks & Toys was first located Seaview Rd, for four and a half years, then Ihakara St for six years, then two years in Marine Parade, before the long stint in its current location in Maclean St.
"I wouldn't have had any other type of shop," Jo-Maree reflected.
The couple used to make 80 items for the shop, ranging from beds, tables, chairs, lounge suits, baths to vanity units, for the dolls houses.
"And we used to make tables and chairs, three sizes, and stalls that children could stand on."
Jo-Maree especially liked the challenge of dolls' clothes sewing.
Sometimes it has been hard keeping the shop going, especially from a financial point of view, but she has forged on.
Selling it hasn't really been an option, especially once people know what is involved — besides, the shop has been so unique to Jo-Maree.
It has been tougher in recent years when John's health declined and he died last year.
Jo-Maree had worn herself out, said a doctor, who advised closing the shop so she wouldn't have too much on her plate.
So she has chosen Easter Saturday, the end of financial year, as her final trading day.
"I started it and I'll finish it - that was my attitude from the start."
She's enjoyed her time in the interesting shop that has delighted children and adults.
"Something to get up for in the morning, something to do every day, and something that I've liked doing.
"And the customer relationships as well as the suppliers and representatives."
After the doors have closed Jo-Maree is looking forward to seeing family in Invercargill, especially her mother Violet Pyper who is 97 this year.
