The new parent company’s business is in e-commerce and publishing and it was perfectly placed to pick up the reins after Jackie decided to retire.

Customers were pleased to find that their much-loved shop at Ripley – part of the tourist trail through Derbyshire – would remain open with its display of 30 built, decorated and lit dolls’ houses.

And although the warehouse operation has been relocated, with the loss of several jobs at the Ripley HQ, it is business as usual for The Dolls House Emporium, which continues to move forward and develop.

One thing that emerged from the sale of the company is a fear that customers would lose out.

But with the same highly experienced, knowledgeable, friendly and award-winning customer advisors at the end of the phone, answering the emails and taking orders, there is a great deal of continuity. The senior staff remain too, to guide the company forward.

And now the office and creative staff are busy pressing ahead choosing new products to feature in the much-anticipated autumn mail-order catalogue, for which the company is renowned.

More than 2,000 products will feature in the revamped publication, which is cutting back on repetition of furniture and accessories throughout to make it easier for customers to pinpoint their sought-after items. Many colourful, new room displays have been put together for inspiration – and these will be co-ordinated with practical help and ideas online too. Our monthly offers brochure for recent buyers will also be beefed up to provide creative solutions, ideas and discounts for regular customers.

Alongside quality is value for money. Customers will find price cuts across the range on furniture and accessories in the 2013-14 catalogue, which will be available from September.

MyHobbyStore Retail stepped in upon Jackie’s retirement and ensured the future of The Dolls House Emporium, removing uncertainty during a period of change at the company. There are plans to develop both the business and its products. Already new contacts are being made with manufacturers and the Ripley-based design team is hard at work.

In the wider organisation, there are a number of hobby retail websites including dollshouse.com, myhobbystore.com, giantshark.co.uk, modelfair.com, modelenium.co.uk and railwaycollectables.co.uk, as well as a publishing business.

The publishing arm, MyTimeMedia, is behind 20 or so of Britain’s best-loved hobby and special interest magazines.

At the very top, Peter Harkness is the chairman of MyTimeMedia, which he runs with business partner Owen Davies, who is chief executive.

Peter’s expertise and background is in publishing, where he worked in newspapers in his early career, becoming general manager at the Birmingham Post & Mail. Owen also has a background in the publishing world, including working in local newspapers and with the Daily Mail group’s online business.

And despite Jackie stepping down, there continues to be a family element to the firm, with her daughter Amy continuing to lead the friendly sales and customer service team that customers are so familiar with, and daughter Sophie running the product marketing department.

Owen says: “We got involved with The Dolls House Emporium to build on the foundations that Jackie laid and take the brand forward, which is something we are committed to.

“We aim to maintain the company’s position as brand leader in the dolls’ house market, and continually look at new ways to improve our offering in terms of product quality, value for money, and customer engagement.

“MyHobbyStore is already involved with a raft of hobbyists across a number of interests and we’ve already enjoyed seeing what miniatures enthusiasts contribute to the hobby scene both in the UK and overseas. We are all looking forward to working with the experts already in place at The Dolls House Emporium, listening to customers and working with them to drive their hobby to greater heights.”

For further information, visit dollshouse.com/PR245 or call + 44 (0)1332 912989 quoting PR245.

MyHobbyStore Retail Ltd currently operates a number of e-commerce websites in hobby sectors. Its existing retail business covers areas such as radio control supplies, model railways, die cast models, craft supplies and other related hobby products. It has a sister company which also publishes a range of hobby and craft consumer magazines.

‘“After almost 34 years I feel it’s time to step down,” said Jackie Lee.

“We have developed an exceptional team and systems delivering an outstanding customer experience, for which we have won numerous national awards. Whilst I’m sorry to be leaving, I’m also looking forward to having time to pursue other interests.”

“We are delighted to be acquiring Dolls House Emporium,” said Owen Davies, Chief Executive of MyHobbyStore Retail.

“It has an exceptional brand heritage and we look forward to growing the business and continuing its strong ethos to customer service. This acquisition will become part of our growing portfolio of ecommerce websites which service the hobby and craft markets.”

‘The Cabin’ – its first dolls’ house with a wall-mounting option – offers endless possibilities with its characteristic circular windows, arched doorway and exposed rafters.

It’s an affordable small build and is this year supplied with brackets for wall-mounting, which could invite a multitude of amazing ideas. This kit has a completely different feel from anything from our design team in the past, and offers a unique space saving option. Features include circular windows, an arched rooway and exposed rafters.

Of course, it’s not just for entrants to the retailer’s popular annuel contest, which offers up to £600 of kit to the entry judged most creative. Each year hundreds of dolls’ house and miniature makers roll up their sleeves and get to work transforming it for sheer pleasure!

Judges are looking forward to seeing the entries, which are encouraged in the form of photos, video and writing.

To get the creative juices flowing designers at the Ripley HQ have created a cliff-side lookout for the Harbour Master to protect his coastline from the upcoming storm … and a secret resting place hidden in the undergrowth for fairies and magical creatures. Popular themes from previous years and different small projects include a witch’s keep, a cosy log cabin and even an ice cream stall.

The possibilities are endless but the raw materials are easy to come by!

The Cabin (part no.8100) is £49 with FREE post and packing.

The Prizes:
1st Prize A Dolls House Emporium kit of your choice worth up to £650
2nd Prize £350 of Dolls House Emporium vouchers
3rd Prize £200 of Dolls House Emporium vouchers

Features:
• Wall Mountable – Brackets included in kit as shown
• Unpainted wood and MDF kit with preassembled windows and door
• Easy to Assemble
• 1:12th scale
• The Cabin measures 331mm x 465mm x 272mm (13” x 18” x 11”)
• The Cabin with wall mounting brackets measures 531mm x 465mm x 272mm (21” x 18” x 11”)

How to enter the competition: