AN INDEPENDENT clothing store has closed its doors after serving generations of customers for 40 years.
The owners announced this week that they would be closing the store as part of their retirement plan.
The Wardrobe, located in Cardiff, has been selling classic and designer labels since it first opened in 1987.
On Facebook, the store owners said: “We would like to thank you all and express our gratitude for the support and custom we have received throughout our 38+ years in business.
“Many of our valued customers have supported us throughout the 80s & 90s right up to today. It has been heart warming to see their sons and even grandsons coming to us as regular customers too.
During those early years John Frost Square was thriving with a mixture of independent shops and many other stores of interest.
“The square was a meeting place and our shop a place to come for a chat and a browse.
“The Friars Walk development arrived and many feel that it took away the sense of the retail community spirit and the old feeling of the square.
The Wardrobe is owned by partners Rob Porter and Manuel Lima, who opened their first store in Cardiff in 1987.
They then decided to open another store in Newport, with both stores selling brands like Timberland, Burberry, Thomas Burberry, Chevignon, Aviatic, French Connection, Ralph Lauren, Lacoste, and many others.
In their announcement on Thursday, they spoke about the store’s struggle going through two recessions, a credit crunch, and the lock downs of the shop due to Covid 19.
“All of this took its toll on other independent businesses within Newport city centre, but we were lucky as your continued custom helped ensure we came through all of those events and maintained our place as the successful store it’s always been”, they added.
Talking about the current state of their store, the owners said that they had coped through a tough trading period with the cost of living crisis.
They ended their statement by thanking all of their loyal customers and marking the closure as the “end of an era”.
One customer commented on the announcement saying: “Great shop , but was the owners that made it so good. Really good service and top guys.”
“Bringing back memories of calling in on a Saturday afternoon to get a new shirt for the night out. Made Newport stand out. Sad to see it closing”, he added.
Another shopper said: “One of my favourite menswear shops of all time.
“Back in the 90’s, When I was young and single, most of my monthly disposable income went into your till.
“In fact, I’ve still got pieces in my wardrobe that I bought from you.”
