Dolls' house firm is sold as founder retires

A DERBYSHIRE firm that makes and sells dolls' houses and accessories is now under new ownership.

Jackie Lee, founder of The Dolls House Emporium, in Ripley, has sold the business to London-based internet retailer MyHobbyStore Retail.

Mrs Lee, who founded the High Holborn Road business in 1979, decided to sell because she is retiring.

The company employs around 60 people at its 65,000sq ft premises, which includes two retail shops.

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The firm's range includes more than 30 dolls' houses and 2,500 accessories.

There will still be a family connection at the firm as Mrs Lee's daughter, Amy, will continue to lead the sales and customer service team.

MyHobbyStore's business covers radio control supplies, model railways, die-cast models, craft supplies and other related hobby products.

It also has a sister company which also publishes a range of magazines.

The firm said it had plans to develop the business. Chief executive Owen Davies said: "We look forward to growing the business and continuing its strong ethos to customer service."

The company will continue to be run as The Dolls House Emporium and no plans have been announced to move its operations away from Ripley.