What was meant to be a short-lived experiment turned into a legacy spanning three generations!
For more than a century, the Wembley Store in Valletta has been a landmark of daily life. Now, after 101 years in business, the family-owned shop is closing its doors for good.
The store’s story began in 1924, when Emanuel Gauci told his father Salvatore that he planned to open a small shop in Valletta ‘just for a year.’ What was meant to be a short-lived experiment turned into a legacy spanning three generations.
Just steps away from the City Gate, the Wembley Store became a familiar stop for thousands of customers, offering fine foods, everyday essentials, and friendly service. It stood resilient through some of the city’s darkest moments, including the destruction of the Royal Opera House during World War II, and remained a steady part of Valletta’s rhythm.
‘This shop was more than a business – it was our identity,’ said director Noel Gauci in an interview with Times of Malta. Along with his brother Christopher, he spoke of how each generation of the family had devoted their lives to keeping the store alive, building a reputation for quality and personal care.
The brothers stressed that the decision to close was not forced by rising costs or external pressures. Instead, it was a conscious, voluntary choice. ‘The time has come. We are proud to have reached 101 years of history,’ Christopher explained.
Famed for its specialty food and drink, the Wembley Store holds a special place in the memories of both Maltese locals and international visitors. While the premises will continue to serve a commercial purpose, the Gauci family confirmed it will not become a food or catering establishment. To preserve its heritage, they have also launched a website featuring photographs and stories celebrating the shop’s long history.
‘To all our employees and customers, past and present – thank you. You were the true heart of this story,’ the Gauci brothers said in their farewell message.
The closure of the Wembley Store marks the end of an era. Its memory will endure not only as part of the Gauci family’s history but also as a treasured chapter in Valletta’s cultural and commercial life.
Are you sad to see the Wembley Store go?