Step back in time this Christmas

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Montville Clock Shop as new owners Holly & Dan Hoffman arrange decorations.

We could all do with a little Christmas cheer this year and what better way to lift our spirits than stepping back in time at the iconic Montville Clock Shop.

The half-timber and stone shop is an enchanted world of hand-carved clocks, music boxes, weather stations, beer steins and snow globes. 

“I think the shop offers an otherworldly experience for visitors,”  said owner Holly Hoffman. “The combination of the wood, the warmth and the European styling is nostalgic, comforting and an experience of Europe that many people would not otherwise enjoy. We really want our guests to feel welcome and as though they have walked into a family home, as much as anything else. That’s what it represents to us. It is a fabulous place to bring the kids and browse. The walls are lined with unique hand carved clocks, but it’s very easy to lose track of time in here!”

Holly and husband Daniel  assumed ownership of the shop in March this year, taking over from Dan’s parents and the shop’s founders, Phil and Fran Hoffman, who are naturally delighted that the business is staying in the family. 

“It was such a weird scenario, taking over just as COVID hit,” said Dan. “The business settled and immediately we had a meeting with staff to announce the takeover, reassuring them that nothing would change. The following week, restrictions were introduced. By Monday, we had to tell our staff not to come into work. It was highly stressful. For about six weeks we were completely shut down. Our staff had to be our primary concern.” 

Despite it being the worst possible time to become business owners, Holly and Dan are excited about the opportunities the Clock Shop presents. “Prior to taking on the business, we had plans to expand online, and lockdown panned out to be a great opportunity to build on the website and social media,” said Holly. 

“People are genuinely delighted by what they find here,” said Dan. “They tell us that they haven’t seen objects such as these since they were children, often when visiting their grandparent’s house.” 

• Montville Clock  Shop’s walls are heaving with clocks including cuckoo clocks from $300 to over $6000. Clock Shop Montville, 194 Main Street, Montville Phone: (07) 5442 9409