The new owner of a well-known Welshpool clothes shop says she is “excited” to take over from her friend and mentor.
Shona Jerman will be taking over the Kathy Gittins store in Severn Street after Kathy retired from the business on Wednesday, July 31.
Shona said: “I have worked for Kathy for about nine years, only about six months after the shop in Welshpool opened.
“She has been my mentor but more than that she has been my friend.
“She is generous with her time and is generous as a person.”
Shona Jerman (left) and Kathy Gittins (Image: Shona Jerman)
Kathy will be retiring from her popular business which also has premises in Cowbridge and Pwllheli and handing over the reigns to Shona who has said she will be keeping in line with how Kathy has run things.
“I love her ethos,” Shona added. “We will continue to have the same designers and labels that customers love when we reopen.”
The store is set to be closed over the coming weeks as they restock after Kathy looks to sell the last of the old stock at the Eisteddfod in Pontypridd this weekend after a recent closing down sale.
“It’s the first time this has happened but we will have to restock the entire shop,” Shona said.
“That means it will be likely closed over August but I am hoping to be back open again in September.”
Kathy will be retiring after working in fashion for nearly three decades and in a blog post said she had “mixed emotions” but has been invited by Shona to accompanying her on London-based buying trips twice annually.
She will also continue her popular Welshpool-based charity fashion shows.
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In a message to customers, Kathy said: “It has been an absolute gift and such a beautiful journey.
"I have met the most amazing people along the way, across Wales and beyond and I can’t thank my wonderful supportive customers enough - without them none of this would have been possible.
“And, of course, a massive thank you to the team of 13 amazing women who have worked so hard to keep everything going.
“Finally, I am delighted that Shona is taking forward my legacy, I know that it will thrive in her capable hands - how lucky am I."
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