Third generation retailer and mum-of-one Emma Etheridge is looking forward to a day off for Mother’s Day after a busy week juggling family life with running her two stores.

The Mace stores based in Milton and Bourton near Gillingham, Dorset are run by Emma, her parents Allan and Gill and husband Stuart. Both convenience stores were passed down three generations from Emma’s grandparents, who opened them in the 60’s and 70’s.

Emma’s gran played a significant role in the running of the business whilst also bringing up Emma’s mother, Gill. Gill continues to work in store alongside her daughter.

Emma has a four-year-old son; Ollie who she hopes will work in the shop and eventually take over the business when he is older.

Emma said: “Since my gran and granddad bought the two shops, our whole family has been involved. My mum was brought up in convenience stores, I was brought up in them and now my son is too. He is always at the shop and already getting involved – stacking shelves and telling us which products to order! It would be lovely to see him take over the business so that it was kept within the family. He could bring up his children in the same environment that we have all been brought up in.”

The Mace stores are strong supporters of the local community and are running special promotions for Mother’s Day – including locally sourced flowers and cakes from near-by businesses.

Emma added: “Being a mum and a working mum is hard and I couldn’t do it without my family. We are very lucky to be able to work together and also have my son around so we can spend quality time together, which is really important. We are a local village shop so we know everyone and have a good support network locally. This all makes juggling family life with work much easier and a lovely place to bring up a child.”

Emma is taking the day off work for Mother’s Day on Sunday 15 March to spend time with her family visiting local attractions.

Julia Lumley

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