After five years of unique finds, Kapada in Swindon Old Town has closed, but owner Ellen Wray is excited for her next chapter
Swindon: Kapada in Devizes Road has officially closed its doors for good. The shop, which opened in 2020, wrapped up its final day on Saturday, January 25.
Owner Ellen Wray greeted customers with a smile, turning the last day into a celebration of the shop’s journey over the past five years.
She shared, “I’m feeling good about it. I’m excited to be moving onto the next chapter, and there’s a lot to look forward to.”
Ellen decided to close the shop to spend more time with her family, especially after welcoming her little boy in February. “Everything changes when you have kids,” she said.
Now, she plans to focus on her online business and is considering shifting her style from vintage to block print.
It hasn’t been all smooth sailing for Kapada. The shop faced challenges, especially when the Covid pandemic hit shortly after opening.
In early 2022, the shopfront was damaged twice in just a few days. Despite these setbacks, Ellen kept the shop running and cherishes her time there.
She credits the local community for making her experience rewarding. “I’ve got really fond memories of being here on Devizes Road,” she reflected.
Ellen opened Kapada to bring something fresh to Swindon’s vintage scene. She wanted a shop that felt light and airy, unlike many vintage stores.
Even though she’s closing, Ellen hasn’t ruled out the possibility of opening another shop in the future. “I wouldn’t ever say no to having a shop again,” she said.
With her experience, she feels more confident about the idea. “It’s been a challenging few years, but it’s great to know that it will work.”
