Reopening Horsham town centre store ‘gave me my life back’ says owner

Angie Maskell, owner of Deja Style in Horsham, said she had a tear in her eye on Monday, June 15, as she was reunited with customers after months of closure.

She said: “I just felt I have got my life back.

“It’s a breath of fresh air just to talk to everybody – see them in person.

“There’s a real sense of community.”

Angie, 52, said she felt everyone would look after small businesses after lockdown.

She added: “We have got to support each other to get through.”

Angie has reopened the clothing store offering a mix of walk in shopping and appointments and also implemented a raft of measures to keep customers safe.

Shoppers can book appointments on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays with walk in shopping available on Mondays Friday and Saturdays.

Angie said she is also offering free styling sessions for customers and face masks that match with outfits bought from the store.

Drew Dewsall, owner of Gobsmack comics said he couldn’t thank Horsham’s population enough for the ‘amazing support and kindness’ they have shown throughout lockdown.

He added: “We’re absolutely delighted to have reopened and [be] serving our community again.

“We’re still offering local delivery and postage for those who are still unable to get out as well as click and collect alongside our normal trading.

“We hope to see you all very soon and safely of course!”

Seeing so many shoppers out and about across the district while following safety guidelines was ‘really encouraging’, Horsham District Council cabinet member for the local economy councillor Paul Clarke said.

He added: “It was great to see so many stores open for the first day of trading and the high streets across the district’s towns and villages busy once more.

“Customers were made to feel safe and welcome, and in return they showed respect to each other and traders.

“Look out for more stores to be open in the coming days and weeks as the district follows a phased approach to the easing of lockdown.”

Mr Clarke wished every success to local firms as they exit lockdown.

He said: “We are gathering feedback from shoppers and traders and are actively amending arrangements in line with this feedback to ensure a safe shopping experience for everyone.”

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