Mad Hatter and Rummage closing down after 28 years in Milngavie

Irene Duffield (75) has decided it’s time to retire and after nearly 28 years of trading she is saying goodbye to her business which she set up on her own aged 47.

Irene started selling new and nearly new clothes for friends and clients as a sideline in her hairdressing salon in Maryhill, Glasgow - called La France.

She opened Rummage in Milngavie’s Stewart Street when the demand for the clothes and hats started to take off and she specialised in special occasionwear, hats, shoes and bags.

Irene’s daughter Susan Forster (48) got involved with the business 23 years ago and she ran the Mad Hatter in Canniesburn Toll, Bearsden, and Edinburgh - they are both closed now.

Irene said: “The business started off through word of mouth and just grew and grew.

“We’ve had a lot of regular and repeat customers.

“The daughters of mothers who already came here started shopping here too.

“People have said they will really miss us - saying goodbye to them all has been very emotional and I’d like to thank all our loyal customers over the years.

“I’ve loved every minute of running the business but it’s the right time now for me to retire.

“Susan is moving away and I couldn’t have run this business without her help.

“She has been a fantastic help and I can’t thank her enough.”

Irene would also like to thank her customer sales staff - Isabel Stott who has 23 years service, Margaret Craig (27 years) and Helen McArdle (28 years).

Irene and her husband have nine children between them and 20 grandchildren, and Irene is looking forward to spending more time with them in her retirement.