WHERE one door closes another one opens for trade in Dorchester’s town centre.

After trading for more than 35 years Change of Seen in South Street is closing in May. Owner Kathy Kilburn said that she cannot go on running the shop in the financial climate and would prefer to keep the business running as a stall in the town’s market.

“I have loved it here and over the past few years at times it has been hard but we’ve kept on because our customers are so lovely,” she said.

“I hate to be leaving now but there is an opportunity to come out of my lease and with trade like it is at the moment I can’t stay on like this. “ The alternative clothing and boho store started in Dorchester 10 years ago and Mrs Kilburn took over ownership of the shop in 2001.

The shop relocated from Antelope Walk to South Street in 2004 and Mrs Kilburn said she was extremely proud of how the store has progressed.

Change of Seen has gained a reputation for its ethnic items, mainly fair trade and sourced from around the globe. Mrs Kilburn hopes many of her customers will follow her and visit her stall in the undercover Wednesday market.

She is also hosting parties at home where she is selling items from the shop.

“We have had a tremendous reaction from customers and friends in the town because the shop has been around a long time,” she added.

Conde Micallef has just opened up Knobs and Knockers in Trinity Street, and said he has had a great response after he opened his doors the same week as Wellworths.

The former video shop has been transformed into a specialist shop crammed full of different household knobs, knockers and handles. With more than 20 years experience in the industry Mr Micallef said: “We have had a really good start and everyone who has come in has been positive about opening this kind of shop here. “I know it’s hard for shops at the moment but I think it is different maybe with a specialised shop like this.”

To contact Kathy, email changeofseen@hotmail.co.uk