Casa Fina marking 40 years on the Salisbury high street
The iconic Salisbury shop opened back in 1983
An iconic Salisbury shop is marking 40 years on our high street.
Casa Fina, on high street in Salisbury, opened in 1983 and is celebrating the milestone this month.
The independent store, which mixes contemporary brands with vintage and antique pieces, was launched by current store owner Susi Mason’s mother.
Susi told us that reaching the 40-year mark was ‘quite amazing’, adding that the store opening now felt ‘a long time ago’.
“We’ve been pouring over old photographs, the stock we used to sell, the clothes we used to wear, the hairstyles, it does feel a long time ago.”
For Susi, being a shop owner wasn’t the original plan, having initially wanted to become an engineer, but her mother needed some help with the store.
“None of it was planned, but I’m very happy with the way it’s turned out,” Susi said.
Susi told us that the last five years have been the hardest years.
After Novichok in 2018, Susi said the public supported local businesses and the government supported the business through the Covid pandemic.
“But the cost-of-living crisis has been really tough, because its just hit everybody.
“Although we sell useful things for the home, it’s not food on your table or heating for your house, but we’ve been really pleased to see our community supporting us.”
The key to success, Susi told us, was the ability to evolve the business.
“You can’t just stay doing things the way you’ve always done them. Back in 1983 we sold a lot of Italian ceramics, which were all the rage in those days, but we wouldn’t sell them now!
“You have to keep changing and looking on the bright side of life, opening your door and smiling at your customers.”