Much-loved Ipswich-based costume shop Fancy Dress Hut (UK) will be closing down at the end of January, following five successful years of trading.
Owner Jack Ablitt said one factor was the renovation of the local shopping area, which had overrun and affected access and footfall to the shop during the crucial Halloween period. He also blamed online competition from retailers such as Amazon.
Jack had originally taken the shop over just six months ago after working for the previous owner, Susie Patten, who launched the business in 2014.
Halloween was normally the busiest time for the store, said Jack, but first of all trade had been hit by the building works and then Christmas trading had also been disappointing.
“Online sales are hitting trading,” he added. “Amazon is affecting everyone.”
Fancy Dress Hut is currently selling off all stock at half the marked price.
