After seven years of operation, Rosie’s Boutique in Arbroath has closed its doors, citing declining foot traffic and urges community support for local shops amidst shifting retail dynamics.
An Arbroath boutique, Rosie’s Boutique, has officially closed its doors after seven years of operation at West Port. The store specialized in clothing, chocolate, and gifts, but the owner has indicated a significant decline in foot traffic was a major factor in the decision to shut down.
In a heartfelt message shared on social media, the boutique thanked its customers for their continued support throughout the years and made a plea for community support of local businesses. The message outlined a concern over shifting retail dynamics and a call to action for consumers to prioritize local shops over larger corporations. “Rosie’s was very successful but footfall was reducing each year and retail is changing,” the shop stated.
The post also urged individuals to reconsider their shopping habits, encouraging them to buy less from large online retailers such as Amazon and Shein. “A bit of support each week makes a huge difference,” Rosie’s Boutique emphasized. The owner added that if communities do not actively support local businesses, they risk losing them, which would have long-lasting effects on the town’s economy.
All equipment and stock from Rosie’s Boutique were sold, ensuring that nothing ended up in landfill, and the space is expected to be listed on the market shortly. The immediate future for the owner appears positive as she plans to pivot to a new venture called Baggy Trousers Vintage, focusing on pre-loved clothing.
“I’m feeling very upbeat about the decision to close, and excited for the future,” the owner conveyed in the social media post. She expressed a desire to emphasize sustainability and the importance of reusing existing clothing as opposed to contributing to the extensive waste generated by the fashion industry, which produces approximately 100 billion new garments each year.
As she transitions to her new business from her home workspace, the owner hopes to rejuvenate quality garments made from materials like cashmere and silk. She expressed her enthusiasm for this new direction, wishing to bring life back into high-quality clothing while fostering a sustainable approach to fashion. The closing of Rosie’s Boutique highlights both the challenges faced by local retailers and the emerging shift toward second-hand fashion to combat waste in the industry.
Source: Noah Wire Services
