30 jobs go as clothing store closes

A clothing superstore in Staffordshire has gone out of business with the loss of 30 jobs.

Fashion Factory in Cannock, which specialises in prom dresses, said the industry had been hit by internet shopping, the recession and people making their own clothes.

• Update: Jobs saved as Fashion Factory in Cannock reopens

The store, which has been trading since 1994, closed its doors after going into voluntary liquidation. Customers were called to collect their dresses and the last day of trading was Saturday.

Owner Michael Edwards said today all orders had been honoured.

"The economic conditions have got the better of us," he said.

The business, in Vine Lane, sold designer labels catering for special occasion outfits, and has done well out of the school prom phenomenon. When it started 18 years ago it was among the first to cater for the fledgling trend.

Sales at the store regularly caused traffic jams on the nearby A5 as shoppers queued to get on to the car park.

But Mr Edwards, aged 61, said income has been down by around 10 per cent over the last two years.

"When your outgoings are more than your profits at some stage you have to call it a day, and that time has come," he said.

"Fashion is particularly affected by the economic climate, look at Marks & Spencer's clothing sales.

"We're just one stand-alone store but the situation is reflected in the high-profile retailers as well," he said.

"In a recession, when people are only going to wear an outfit once, a lot are looking to buy second-hand. I predict more and more will turn to ebay."

Mr Edwards, who lives in Telford, said the poor weather has also affected sales, with much of his summer stock left unsold on the racks.

The sudden closure has shocked customers.

"They've all said lovely things which makes our situation so much sadder," said Mr Edwards.

Customer Jean Brown, of Shoal Hill, Cannock, said: "I'm really going to miss it. It was the only place round here you could buy top-of-the range clothes. It was always busy and the staff there knew you."