A fancy dress store in Watford has closed its doors for the final time after 35 years of supplying masks, costumes and accessories.
Former amateur dramatic actress Jean Harper and her husband Robin took over Masquerade Watford 35 years ago, stocking the shop with Jean’s old costumes from productions over the years.
Soon enough, the store was filled with hundreds of costumes, from horror masks to full body suits to iconic celebrity-inspired outfits.
Jean told watfordnews: “We have had lots of fun! I’ve had people come in with their children who would come in with their mums when they were younger; it’s gone on generations and generations!”
With the pair now in their 80s, and the younger generation often buying costumes online, Jean and Robin decided to hang up their hats and close the store after more than three decades.
Jean continued: “We’ve had such lovely customers over the years, and everyone is so happy to come and dress up. I’m very sorry to be going.”
Jean recalled visits from actor and former footballer Vinnie Jones and the late Graham Taylor OBE, Watford FC’s most iconic manager.
She added: “I can’t say enough how happy we have been here. We have really appreciated all the support from all our customers; without them, we wouldn’t have been able to carry on!
“We have plodded on as long as we could, but at 84 and 85, we need some time to spend at home and in the garden.”
Jean explained that she will now be focusing on her favourite hobby, which is painting, as well as “finally getting round to some housework!”.
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