News

After 21 years on Fore Street Lostwithiell Denise & Tom Watts have retired. Their shop Watts Trading, closed its doors on September 12th 2025.

They have been such a wonderful part of our community — a true highlight of Fore Street — and will be greatly missed. But this isn’t quite the end…

Some words from Denise:
"Tom and I first chose the building, that is now Watts Trading, while having a fantasy conversation of ‘where would we choose to live in Lostwithiel’ while visiting the town. It wasn’t for sale, we had no plans to move.  The conversation was akin to how to spend lottery winnings, even though we do not buy tickets. However, Lostwithiel, being the magical place it is, chose us right back and the building, deemed unfit for habitation, somehow became ours, and we moved in.  Once the essential renovations were carried out, we opened our shop.  With no experience, on a wing and a prayer, and with a modest amount of stock, we opened Watts Trading.

When we first opened, shops with an environmentally friendly theme were a bit of a mystery, but we grew and evolved, talked suppliers into selling us stock, and became something of a destination shop. We also became a role model for other outlets and we are proud of our legacy. 

Life sends us all challenges and ours have been a bit extreme in the last 6 years and we have continued through it all with the support of our lovely customers.

However it is now time for us to retire, and for me to start something new.  My new venture will be called “Watts in Store” - so keep an ear out for that announcement. "

Last week Denise was interviewed by Julie Skentelbery  on  BBC Radio Cornwall   You can hear the interview  via this link