Hillside Bazaar, a store in Cospicua that sells a range of products including stationery and home decorations, is set to close down after more than 40 years of business.
The news was originally shared on the store’s Facebook page last month, where a closing down sale was announced, with discounts on various products.
The reasons behind the closure were revealed in an interview with The People of Malta on Monday, during which Hillside Bazaar’s Owner Raymond Portelli, now 69 years old, cited his intention to retire when he turns 70.
He remarked that he has had the shop since 1980, “but won’t keep it for much longer”.
“I used to work for a company which closed down. At the time I was bringing up two children. I was cornered because I had to find a way to earn a living. I saw this shop which at the time served as a bazaar and I like it and took it over,” he said.
He added that acquiring the shop was a risk for him, as he entered into Lm7,000 (€16,305) debt. While at the very start he was barely making any more, Mr Portelli “did not give up”.
“I learnt what was required to turn it into a successful business. Amongst other things that happened, I will never forget selling Smurfs which were extremely popular with clients in the eighties and people used to come and buy them from all over Malta,” he continued.
He explained that he opted to diversify his sales, and also brought people on to give him good advice and guide him on how to run a successful business. “You need to be in the business and take a risk, but luck needs to be on your side too,” he added.
Mr Portelli added that he always had the aim to work at the store until he is 70 and then retire, and some personal matters have continued to encourage him to push through with that goal.
“Three years ago, my wife passed away and I started to look at life from a different lens. I ended up alone and feel like I no longer have any reason to live except for the children,” he said.
However, his intention to close up shop for good has been helped by the fact that “Cottonera has aged and it is populated mostly by the elderly”. He added that his children will not take over the shop, even though one of his sons opened a shop similar to Hillside Bazaar.
“The larger shops have swallowed the smaller ones and you find everything at the supermarket. In the past you had sole agents but now the situation is different. This kind of work requires commitment,” he explained.
Mr Portelli added that throughout the years, he has met a large number of people at the store who became his clients, particularly dockyard workers. “People become a part of you and the friendship that develops is particular. It will sadden me when the time comes to close down for good,” he concluded.
News of the closing was met with hundreds of comments on social media, with many wishing Mr Portelli well in his retirement, and thanking him for his service over the years, recalling the various memories they have visiting Hillside Bazaar.
Main Image:Hillside Bazaar Owner Raymond Portelli / The People of Malta / Facebook
