A POPULAR city centre retail shop has been saved from closure after two sisters prepare to take over the business.

Frippery, in Sir Isaac’s Walk, Colchester, is a lifestyle boutique loved by residents.

However, many were fearing for the future of the business, after the former owners looked to sell the Colchester store.

Thankfully, this is when sisters Samantha Godden-Wood and Sophie Singh stepped in.

Gazette: Happy - Samantha Godden-Wood and Sophie Singh are excited to be taking over FripperyHappy - Samantha Godden-Wood and Sophie Singh are excited to be taking over Frippery (Image: N/A)

Sam said: “I used to live in London and from 13 was a fashion model for various companies including Vogue, traveling the world doing modelling, so always loved the fashion industry.

“As I’ve gotten older, I’ve worked in various boutiques and worked on and off for Frippery when I could, which is kind of why I was keen when the owners said they were selling the Colchester branch.

“My sister has two children and hasn’t worked for seven years and wanted to get back to work.

“So, we just said let’s take this opportunity.”

The new business has been renamed slightly, now known as Frippery Sisters.


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Sam said: “We wanted to keep Frippery as Frippery as we know people love it and lots were sad at the possibility of it going.

“But we also wanted to put our own stamp on it, keep it more fresh and current, so we tweaked the name.

“We are keeping it pretty similar though, selling women’s clothing and accessories, with the other side having candles, homeware and more.

“There will be some of the same projects, but we’ve injected some different and new fresh things people haven’t seen before.

“Also we will be selling my uncle’s quirky lamps, from gin bottles, to trumpets and hairdryers, it’ll be a random but pretty shop.

Gazette: Shop - Frippery in Sir Isaac's Walk, ColchesterShop - Frippery in Sir Isaac's Walk, Colchester (Image: Google Maps)

The pair took over the shop about six weeks ago, and are preparing to open this Saturday,

There will be a special opening event, with Sam hopeful it will be a success.

She said: “The response was amazing, we kept it quiet at first and when we posted the news we gained hundreds of followers.

"Everyone has been so lovely and we are very excited.

“I think this is just what Colchester needs.

“The city is on the up and we want to keep people coming.”