A fancy dress and party shop in Chalfont St Giles recently closed its doors after being in the village for many years.
All Dressed Up officially shut down on June 26.
The owner Diana Penrose, speaking to CHALFONTSnews revealed she has mixed feelings about the closure.
Diana said: “I feel sad in some ways and quite pleased to not have to watch the clock for timing.
“I have been there for a long time but I am quite pleased now to have a little bit of time to myself. I have numerous animals which I have to look after and this is what I am going to do in my free time.”
Trevor Gent, who worked at the shop for 11 years also spoke to us. He revealed: “The closure has been forced by changing consumer preferences, where the internet has taken business away (the shop is not suited to online trading), the COVID-19 pandemic and also the fact that at 82 it is probably time for Diana to retire.”
Speaking about Diana, he added: “Certainly a local character who has lived in the village for many years and prior to opening the shop – about 20 years ago I think – Diana operated the business from a caravan in her front garden.
“She has also been a dance teacher in her time and up until a couple of years ago was still teaching local school children maypole dancing.
“Her husband, who runs the sister business, Harlequin Fireworks, which is going to continue trading but not at the shop address,is also a character. He and Diana ran a Halloween Ghost walk with myself and other local people for some years.
“I’ll miss working there as it was such a different fun job. I think people in the village and surrounding area will miss it too.”
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