End of the line for model ‘wonderland’
MUCH-LOVED STORE TO CLOSE AFTER DEATH OF OWNER
AN iconic store is set to close its doors after 37 years following the death of its much-loved owner.
Model shop Something Wicked, in Wood Street, Huddersfield, will bring down the shutters in January after the sad passing of owner Melvin Munday, aged 74.
Melvin, who was involved with Huddersfield’s old transport rallies, had a love of trains and transport and first opened his shop in 1984.
He worked alongside his partner Carol Harrison, who he had been with since the 1970s, and two staff members, Chris and David.
The Something Wicked team became a close-knit work family, with the shortest length of service in the shop coming in at 17 years.
Chris Youle, who is holding the fort until January, worked with Melvin for 20 years.
It was hoped the next generation might have been able to take over Something Wicked, but the team says business rate rises mean they cannot stay open, with two price hikes in two months.
Chris added: “It’s sad we’re closing, it’s the end of an era.”
The shop was also struggling to bounce back from the impact of lockdown and the coronavirus pandemic, after being forced to close and with no online store.
Chris said they had looked at moving the business online, but added: “Everyone who knew Mel knew was a stick in mud, he was slightly old world, a traditionalist, he begrudgingly took cards.”
The Something Wicked team issued a statement to their customers, ahead of their final Christmas before closure.
It said: “We as a company are just so sorry to our customers, we would love to keep going, fingers crossed, Euro Millions win, then we aren’t going anywhere.”
The store’s Christmas sale has already begun - and there is still hope Something Wicked may return online.
Chris said: “The rod’s in the fire for the model railway side of things to carry on at another location.
“However, there won’t be a shop, it will be online.”