Wigton's Easton's shop closure marks the end of an era

Easton’s, a newsagent in Wigton, will close down next month after being in business for 70 years.

Now run by Craig and Lisa Wilson, the closure comes at what they believe is the right time for them, after running the place for 30 years non-stop has left them in need of a well-earned break.

“We just need a life and holidays,” said Craig, in between helping customers on a still-busy Friday afternoon (July 7).

“Lisa’s mum (Helen Nichol) and dad (Gordon Nichol) bought it 50 years ago from John Easton.

“Gordon left the police force to come here, and after he died in 2001 me and Lisa took over, and Helen retired just before Covid.”

Craig brought his still-successful newspaper delivery business, which sees him going out of town to deliver in the morning.

Still busy, the closure does not come from not being able to sustain it financially, but a need to settle down and get closer to family, enjoying a break.

“We’re in the centre of Wigton, so everybody knows us, we get all the characters in here that I will miss,” Craig added.

Craig said he’s having a couple of months off, and then he will look for another job, with News Team taking over his newspaper delivery business once the shop shuts on August 5.

During his break, he said he intends to visit most, if not all, of Carlisle United’s games, home and away.

Easton's in Wigton - which has been a newsagent's for decades (Image: Google StreetView)

The shop has run for 50 years with the same family, with matriarch Helen having been involved right up until very recently.

She said: “I think it’s the right time, Wigton is a great place though, and everyone still speaks to me.

“I’ve got so many memories of this place that I can’t single out just one.”

Lisa commented: “I remember being a little girl here when my father got the shop, and one Sunday afternoon he got a wall taken down to double the shop’s size.

“Anyone that knew my dad would remember seeing him in the shop.

“He would do anything to help anyone, all Wigtonians will remember him.”

A hub for the community, the shop used to sell all sorts, from fireworks to toys, and is still there serving residents newspapers, snacks, stationery, and gift cards.

Craig, Lisa and Helen wanted to thank everyone who helped support the shop in its history, from customers to staff, and paper boys and girls they’ve employed over the years.

Craig said they’ve been looking for someone to take over the business for around 10 years, sadly, to no avail, so it truly is closing its doors for the foreseeable future.

A bittersweet moment for them, they will miss running the shop and seeing all the local faces but rejoice in knowing their efforts have earned them this overdue break.