Final day for clothes shop after 31 years

AN INDIAN clothing shop is to close today after more than three decades of trading in Derby.

K & B First Choice, a designer womenswear boutique, first opened its doors in Pear Tree Road in 1989.

The family-run business was founded by Surjit Kaur Sodhi, now 70, and passed down to her grandson and current owner Karan Sodhi nine years ago.

After 31 years of trading, Mr Sodhi has decided to shut the high street shop to focus on trading online after website sales increased during the Covid-19 lockdown.

The shop, which specialises in Indian couture, bridal wear and jewellery, will shut its doors for the final time at 6pm today. A closing down sale is now on.

Mr Sodhi said: “It’s with a heavy

heart but we are closing due to the pandemic and changing consumer behaviour. Online sales have grown exponentially during lockdown so the need to be on the high street has diminished.

“Being a family business, we have always valued our customers immensely and we appreciate their custom and friendship over the years. We have attracted customers from around the world.

“We have spoken to lots of upset customers, who will miss our presence on the high street for a comforting chat and tea.

“I am extremely proud and honoured to be a part of the history and look forward to continuing the legacy through the online platform, as well as moving to a new studio in Spring 2021.

“In the meantime, our online store will remain fully open and bespoke orders will still be taken on our website and social media pages.”

GUZELIAN PRESS AGENCY FROM the era of gas lamps, Crich Tramway Village has been running its vehicles at night. The attraction is open for two more weekends this year – today and tomorrow and next week. On both weekends it is open from 10am to 5.30pm with last admissions at 4pm. It then closes for the winter for essential maintenance.

K&B First Choice was started by Surjit Kaur Sodhi in 1989 and is being continued online by her grandson, Karan Sodhi