Local retailer thanks customers for supporting her with 'Love Poem'

A local business owner who runs an independent bra fitting boutique with shops in Clitheroe and Bury has tapped into her creativity to say thank you to her loyal customers who support her.

During Small Business Week, Carol wanted to do something a little different to celebrate being a small business who has built a loyal local following, and pay tribute to the support she gets from her local communities.

She's written a poem, a genuine, heartfelt, and funny love letter to the loyal customers who keep her doors open, and a rallying cry for why shopping local matters. 

Perfect Fit by Carol, which has won several local business awards over the years, and has customers travel from far and wide, operates out of the Millgate Shopping Centre and prides itself on transforming women's lives through its personal service. 

Carol, 55, from the Ribble Valley, said "We are a small, independent shop. Support your local bra shop and it will support you. There are always giggles and laughs when ladies come to visit me, and sometimes tears as well, because these ladies are our friends not just our clients. This is so much more than just a lingerie shop."

This is what Carol wanted to say to everyone who has shopped with her in the last 15+ years and who continues to do so, as her business goes from strength to strength.

A love letter to our local shoppers

"You came in quietly, maybe a little unsure, Not quite knowing what you were looking for.

You'd been squeezing yourself into the wrong size for years, Straps digging in, wires poking — oh the tears!

But you trusted me, and that means everything, You let me listen, and find just the thing.

You walked out standing taller than when you came through my door, Confident, comfortable, supported and so much more.

I'm not a chain store, I don't work on a production line. I open up early. I lock up late.

I'm the heartbeat of the high street, in Clitheroe and Bury, Keeping communities alive — and yes, keeping it merry!

After celebrating Small Business Week, here's what I want you to know: Small businesses need you as much as you need us, to grow. Every fitting you book, every friend that you send, Is an act of community that means more than you'd comprehend.

You lift me up on the days when it's hard, You are my purpose, my people, my reward. 20+ fittings in a day? I wouldn't have it any other way, Because every single one of you has made my day.

Small business is a two-way street, my friend, I give you my all from beginning to end. So this week, and every week, show up and step out, That's what supporting local business is all about.