A women's fashion outlet is celebrating its 25th year in business.

For Girlys, in Stone Street, Gravesend, was opened on May 1, 1996 by owner Tracey Crow – who is looking forward to the store's next 25 years.

Tracey, who lives in Gravesend, thanked her loyal customers who have been coming to the shop since its first day.

She said: "It was stranger than when I hit 50 - It felt so surreal, I can't believe it's been that long.

"Our customers have grown up with us. Retail was definitely different back then.

"We have customers that have been with us for 25 years, it's nice, they have a bit of banter, they chat to each other, I love it."

The 56-year-old never expected to reach the impressive milestone, especially when the pandemic hit and Tracey had to shut-up-shop for her busiest week of the year over Christmas.

"It's been hard, but for us, our stuff isn't perishable, so I felt more for the florists and the restaurants who lost their stock," she added.

"So it was a bit easier, but still hard because it was the not knowing of when or if we would open again.

"I was very worried for the future of the store at some points. Even now we still don't know if we're at the end of it.

"But we have to do what we have to do. We're all living through this together. You just have to try not to think about it and take each day as it comes.

"You never know what's round the corner. Life's full of twists and turns."

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