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IT’S the end of an era for two siblings who established a successful special occasions boutique 15 years ago in Wigton, Cumbria.

Like the happy ending to a story, they are passing it on to one of their customers to continue the success they have created.

Sisters, Jane Hollick and Bronja Twentyman, have sold their popular shop, Bron-ja of Wigton, (pronounced Bronya) to a customer who heard about it from a sales rep at the Cumberland News, who they regularly advertised with.

Jane explained: “After 15 wonderful years with the business, we now wish to spend more time with our elderly parents. Linda had been a customer of ours in the past, and heard that we were selling the business as a going concern. She spoke to the sales rep, and he put us in touch.”

Although this is a new venture for her, Linda Smith already has her own fashion accessories shop – House of Linda Ann - in Whitehaven. The sisters were delighted to talk to her about their business; Linda thought it would sit well with her existing shop and will be taking over on January 1, 2019.

Jane said: “It took us two or three years to find our feet, making contacts with suppliers - home and abroad - so we’ll be here to help Linda and introduce her to them all.

“Because Linda had bought from us previously, she had experienced our high standard of customer service first-hand, and knows what our customers expect.

“We are Wigton born and bred and we could see that there was a gap in the market in Cumbria for a special occasionwear shop. We both love fashion and had always talked about doing something together, although, at the time, it was a big risk.”

Bron-ja of Wigton specialises in mother-of-the-bride/groom outfits, but also stocks a selection of beautiful casual clothing suitable for any special occasion, from a cruise to day at the Palace.

“It’s been wonderful running the shop because 99 per cent of purchases are for happy occasions, and we’ve loved helping our customers find something unique for their big day. We will miss it, but we’re looking forward to taking life a bit easier.”

Linda said: “When I saw it for sale I thought ‘This is a really nice business’, and I really wanted to do it. I’m quite excited to be taking over an established, well-run business and I look forward to meeting Jane and Bronja’s customers.”

Jane and Bronja would like to thank all their customers, saying: “If it had not been for their loyalty and support, we would not have been as successful. We hope they will continue to support Linda in her new venture,  which will stay under the name of Bron-Ja of Wigton for the immediate future.

“In fact, we want to encourage everyone to support their independent high street shops because there is something special about the service you receive that the big department stores can’t match.”

www.bronja.co.uk

43/45 High Street, Wigton, Cumbria, CA7 9NJ