Friday 14 June 2013

THE END OF AN ERA

After many months of trepidation, I have decided to stop trading at my bricks and mortar store in Notting Hill Gate, known as Dolly Diamond's Vintage Fashion.  I have battled with the financial downturn, the many poor and cheap quality goods shops surrounding me and finally in April a major burst pipe at the tube station, the results of which opened up a massive cavern under the road which according to the evening standard could take eight years to repair.  The chaotic atmosphere in the area is affecting the business so much.

I will be arranging a GRAND SALE to take place during the next couple of weeks and we will close for the last time on 20th August.  I then hope to take a long rest and re charge my batteries, after which I plan to sell on the internet and a few selected fairs.  My specialist bridalwear will still be available of course and I can be contacted on dollydiamondnottinghill@talktalk.net

Thank you for all your support over the 23 years I had the privilege of running this business.  I have many happy memories and hope there are many more to come.

DOLLY

Tuesday 29 May 2012

Long time no blog!

I  thought it was about time I started blogging again, not that I did much of it before, hopefully I will be forgiven, as due to difficult health both mine and my family, it has been impossible to find the time.

I have spent more time at the shop recently and fortunately the trade has picked up a little and I am running out of cute summer dresses.  My main input has been to reduce prices and I have managed to shift a few lingering garments, especially those already washed too many times, even if I have just managed to cover the cost.   In the current climate both dealers and sellers have to address the issue of price.  I have become very disillusioned on my buying sprees and often find it impossible to buy to re-sell, especially at the fairs, not that I need to buy a great deal, with the mounds of stock I have in the attic.  Fortunately my shop has been established for more than twenty years now and I have many sellers coming to me.  However, I much prefer to choose my own stock and love the inter-action with the many dealers I know on the vintage and textile circuit.

Last week I had a film company at the shop to film for the Mayor of  London's Diamond Jubilee website.  There are twelve films being presented to the City Council, but only one will be chosen.  I assume I have not got a look in as I have not heard from the film company and I believe there was stiff competition.  During filming I felt very nervous and did not give it my best shot.  For instance, after I had said something very interesting, there would be a deathly hush and I took that as my cue to pull a face, which meant  the cameraman had to do a retake.  I then went to pieces and said something completely different, hey ho - you live and learn.  Nice of them to ask me though, I think I may have the cameraman as a new customer too.

Thats all folks! Hope to see you at Poundbury.

Monday 5 April 2010