A STORE which has provided fancy dress costumes to residents in Basingstoke for more than 30 years is set to close its doors.

Carousel Fancy Dress Shop has said that due to changing trends in how people shop the family run business has been forced to close.

Originally opened by Suzette Griffith and latterly taken over by her daughter Tamara the store has provided people in Basingstoke with all its fancy dress needs for many years.

Following the announcement that the store would be closing Tamara said: “We are absolutely devastated that we are having to close.

“Unfortunately due to the way people shop and a lot of people using the internet for their fancy dress needs we just can’t compete anymore.”

The news of the closure comes just a month after Fabric Land in Festival Place had to close its doors and just last week Test Valley Sporting Guns, in Overton announced it would cease trading.

Tamara said that it is a shame to see so many independent businesses leaving the town.

She added: “We all talk about supporting local businesses, but sometimes we really need to put this into practice.

“I really hope that people will support independent businesses in this town.”

Carousel initially opened in Church Street by Suzette before moving to its current location in Priestley Road.

Tamara added: “We’ve very much enjoyed the fun and laughter that running this business has brought to us.

“I remember working at the store when I was 15 and now I am running the store. I have been so lucky to have a job that I absolutely love.

“You would have customers who you would help them pick out their custom and then they would come back after the weekend and show you all the pictures they took of them and their friends in their costumes.”

She added: “We had some really loyal customers and they have been so lovely about the news that we have had to close.”

Carousel Fancy Dress Shop will close its doors on Friday, August 30. Until its final day of trading the store is selling all its stock for 50 per cent off.