LOCAL costume hire and fancy dress shop, Absolutely Fabulous Costume Hire, has re-opened its doors after a roller-coaster of a second lock down.
During the national lock down in November owner, Philippa Kaye, was shocked to be told that a structural engineer had deemed the Grade II listed building on Bath Street, that is home to her business, as unsafe and at ‘risk of collapse’.
However, after a worrying few days when Philippa faced the prospect of having to close her business beyond the national lock down, she was relieved to be told that there was no risk of collapse and that she could re-open once restrictions were lifted.
“It’s a relief that the building is not falling down!” said Philippa talking to Frome Times. “The oak lintel at the shop front isn’t as bad as the structural engineer led us to believe. The beam has been patched up but, as the building is Grade II listed, conservation officers need to look at it before they decide how the work is to be finished.”
With its doors now re-opened, AbFab is appealing to the community to ‘think local’ this Christmas for all its festive costume and party needs.
“We are facing a difficult time,” said Philippa. “At Halloween we took less than 10% of what we would normally take in that month, which is pretty horrendous, and that is one of our busiest months. It helps supports us for the quiet months ahead, as does Christmas and New Year.
“This festive period, families and friends may not be able to see each other, no-one can party, there are no theatres open, no pantos, – so it is going to be a difficult time for everyone, but especially for traders in the party business, and many others too.
“So if you are planning a fancy dress party at home in your ‘bubble’, if you need hats for Christmas dinner, a Santa costume, or some fun stocking fillers, don’t go online, think local – come to us!
“And if you can’t make our restricted hours you can call for an out-of-hours appointment to suit.”
