New Management Reignites Retford Fancy Dress Shop
The inimitable Chameleon's Fancy Dress, located in Exchange Street, Retford, has been given a new lease on life. After shutting its doors in August due to the combined impacts of Covid-19 and rising living costs, the beloved local business reopened on October 3 under the care of new proprietors, Martyn and Tracey Waters, who are eager to restore its vibrancy.
Addressing a Market Gap
Recognising a scarcity of similar businesses in the area, Martyn, at 56, saw potential in Chameleon's. "There was a lot of feedback from people in Retford that they were disappointed to be losing another shop. And there's not a lot of fancy dress shops around"," he explained. "There's one in Lincoln and one in Doncaster, so we thought we'd give it a go."
Fans of Fancy Dress, Back in Business
Fifty-five-year-old Tracey, who will primarily helm operations, expressed her animated anticipation. "I'm quite excited about it really because we love fancy dress ourselves. We're always dressing up." she said. Tracey highlighted the couple's recent 80s-themed costume weekend, where they donned three different outfits, as evidence of their passion for role-playing.
Modern Approach with Traditional Spirit
Tracey also spoke about their intentions to enhance the store's social media presence, stressing the need for modernisation. Despite the store's recent reopening, they've already received costume enquiries from eight hopeful customers, just in time for the Halloween season.
From Landlords to Proprietors
The Waters originally intended to convert the upper floors of their building, which also accommodates a barbershop, into residential flats while leasing out the store spaces. However, the duo felt compelled to keep Chameleon's legacy going.
Although trading has resumed, the couple plans a grand reopening on October 7, where they'll undoubtedly be donning one of their signature fancy dresses.