Independent retailer to close in new year

Frillys in Lord Street closing down after 30 years. Pic shows business partners Julie Ashworth (left) and Annette Simpson.

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FOR 30 years they've been supporting the women of Oldham and beyond.

But the owners of Frillys, in Lord Street, have announced the shop is to close in the new year.

Sisters-in-law Annette Simpson and Julie Ashworth took over the specialist lingerie and swimwear fitting shop more than 15 years ago from its previous owners.

Loyal

Annette says their reasons for closing are a mixture of personal and business.

"It has been a really tough decision to make as we know we will be disappointing our loyal customers," said Annette. "Julie wants to spend more time with her grandchildren and I want to pursue other things before I retire.

"Unfortunately the town centre isn't what it used to be and that's obviously played a part in our decision but also buying trends have changed.

"Online has taken over and many are happy to buy without being fitted.

"Since we put the posters up saying we are closing down we've had so many people in saying how upset they are.

"There aren't many independent retail businesses who've survived through the recession, especially in Oldham, there's only a handful really, so we are very sad to be going."

Many will miss Annette and Julie's expert advice and measuring services, including the many generations of families Frillys has served.

"We get a lot of women whose mum and grans brought them into the shop when they were younger and now they bring their daughters," added Annette.

"We're a niche fitting shop and there aren't many of those left.

"We cater for younger girls up to woman in their 90s so we really have bridged the generations."

Annette says no final closing date has been set ­- its likely to be late January or early February ­- but they wanted to make the announcement to give their customers as much notice as possible.