A MULTI award-winning fashion boutique in Llanidloes has shut its doors for the final time after a decade in business.

L’Armoire owner Laura Thomas has decided to retire after building it into one of Powys’ top independent businesses for beautiful wedding outfits.

Customers travelled far from across Wales and beyond to visit the boutique which has been named number one independent boutique in Mid Wales.

“It’s been an amazing journey,” Laura said. “It’s been fab. But it’s the right time for me in my heart.”

Since announcing her retirement and that the boutique will close, Laura said her customers have been “devastated” by the news.

She said the highlights of running the shop for almost 11 years were the “wonderful” friendships she has made with customers and staff and rekindling old friendships too. Laura says some of her favourite moments running the shop was helping many charities. L’Armoire helped raise thousands of pounds for the Palliative Care Unit at Llanidloes Hospital.

It was a long-held dream of farmer’s daughter, Laura, to open her own boutique.

Since 2009, Laura has been finding the perfect outfits for countless customers at her distinctive Victorian façade shop on Long Bridge Street offering beautiful wedding outfits.

“Being able to change people and giving them advice with smart, casual and occasion wear.

“They come in to L’Armoire looking for advice. And then they come back and say, ‘You’ve changed the way I dress’. It’s been fab.”

But now it is time to enjoy sunny climes and spending time with her husband who is also retiring. Laura has tried to sell the business, however sadly, there has been no-one to take it on.

“When you make a decision, you’ve got to stick with it.

“Now is the time to go out on a high.

“It’s an emotional time for everyone,” Laura said. “It’s the right time for me. It was a very difficult decision to make.”

In order to sell as much stock as possible before they close, L’Armoire had a big sale on their clothes before closing on Tuesday, December 31.