AN independent fashion shop in Tavistock is to close its doors on Christmas Eve after 33 years of trading.

La Caché on Brook Street is owned by Tavistock resident Clare Knowles-Brown who took over the running of the shop in 2008 but last week, with a heavy heart, Clare said she would be permanently closing the La Caché shop doors on Tuesday, December 24 as the business was no longer ‘sustainable’.

‘It is a sign of the times,’ said Clare. ‘I have shed a lot of tears as it’s yet another independent shop that is leaving Tavistock and to me that is my biggest upset.

‘If you look around there is no-one in the town — no-one is shopping.’

For 12 years Clare has helped women choose chic, designer clothes for all occasions and it is her customers she said she would miss the most.

‘It is with great sadness and a heavy heart I have to announce that I will be closing my beautiful shop, La Caché.

‘I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of my wonderful customers over the past 12 years.

‘I have met and made some amazing friends. I have loved helping you, sharing your special occasions with you or just finding you a little something — just because.’

Clare added a message to people in and around the town to ‘support local’ to keep the high street going for future years.

‘Please keep this town going, I know of two to three shops that will be closing next year.

‘To the next generation, my message would be, please don’t lose the high street, please support the locals.’

The boutique will continue to trade until December 24 and Clare welcomes shoppers to see the last minute bargains and to say a fond farewell.