The florist will disappear from the High Street in 2026.
Willis Flowers has been bringing floral fabulousness to the residents of Stony Stratford and beyond for more than 50 years, but owners Mark and Tracey Willis have announced that the family business is set to close.
The Willis name has long been a part of local history – even before concentrating on flowers, Mark's grandparents operated from Bletchley market, offering fruit and vegetables.
The family business went on to open three stores in Leighton Buzzard; two serving fruit and veg, and one flower shop. When they opened a fresh produce store in Stony Stratford, theirs was one of the first self service units in the new town.
Deciding to close has been a big decision and not one taken lightly.
Tracey told MKFM: “It's not that we want to retire, but physically we've been doing this for 40 years, and Mark often works a seven day week and might be at Covent Garden at 2am and still in the shop at 6pm.
"This hasn't been a quick or easy decision – it's something we've been thinking of for the past 18 months.”
Writing on Facebook, Mark said: “Having run out of generations to carry it forward, we also tried to no avail in finding someone who wanted to take the flower business on.”
Willis' announcement follows the closure last month of another long-term trader in the town, the Golden Sea Chinese takeaway, which had been serving customers since 1977.
But while the Willis name will disappear next year, Mark will continue to keep an eye on the busy town in another of his roles.
“Stony High Street has been very good to our family and I'll still be part of the Stony Stratford Business Association, to carry on putting something back into the town to hopefully keep our High Street thriving,” he said.
Hundreds of customers have taken to FB to wish the couple well in their retirement: “You do so much for your customers and the town that you’ll leave a big gap and will be missed. But time to move on and follow your retirement dreams,' wrote one.
Another said, 'The shop, and your family, were a big part of my life growing up. The Willis name will be forever synonymous with Stony Stratford.'
Willis Flowers will be open for one last Christmas though – great news for those who rely on the store to ensure their festive season is accompanied by the best in trees and wreaths.
An exact date for the store closure has yet to be confirmed, but when they do vacate, the couple have no immediate plans – except for a “lie-in,” says Tracey.
No-one will begrudge them that.
