Sally Bellamy to close Room 298 on Lymington Road in Highcliffe
ONE of Highcliffe’s most colourful and cheerful shopkeepers is shutting her doors after 12 years.
Known for her sense of style and fashion – which she puts into some impressive shop window displays – Sally Bellamy runs dress agency Room 298 on the high street.
But Sally is also popular with those who simply stop by to have a chat, especially in difficult times.
Sally was diagnosed with bone cancer two years ago, and the positive way she faced her illness has been an inspiration for many who know her.
She said: “I am always ready to listen to someone else going through what I have. It can be an awful time, and you can feel very alone.
“I hope I am helping people by showing that, yes, it’s tough but you can still get on with your life and live it to the full. To be honest, the shop has been my social life really, I have made so many wonderful friends through it.”
Sally said it was always her “dream” to open the boutique which sells pre-loved men’s and ladies’ clothing. Before launching her own business, she had worked for then-Help the Aged, now known as Age UK.
She said: “I ran charity shops for them and really enjoyed it, But I always wanted my own business. Then I heard that what was an antique shop here was closing down so I arranged to see the landlady.
“I told her about my dream, and she let me have it. I’ve loved every minute of having the shop since.”
With the boutique due to close on 28th February, Sally is holding a sale with clothes, shoes, handbags and accessories at half-price or less.
She said: “I have got absolutely loads of stuff that just has to go. I will be sad to see the end of the store. But at least I achieved my dream of having my own business and have had the most wonderful time.”
Sally says she will take a “bit of a breather” after shutting the store and then may start selling clothes from home: “I am not sure what I am going to do yet. I will miss the shop a lot and all my lovely customers. But I hope to keep going in some form.”
