Founder Stacey Novotny says Capitol Clothing Co has been her baby for the past six years.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Stitched into the fabric of the business was a desire.
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A desire to provide everyday women with a carefully curated collection of womenswear that was both stylish and available in an inclusive range of sizes.
For six years, Capitol Clothing Co did just that.
But after Saturday, June 21, the beloved store on Shepparton’s Fryers St shopping strip will close its doors.
“It’s been my baby, and now it’s just time,” founder Stacey Novotny said.
“I’m currently a non-practising registered nurse, and I’ve only got five years before I can revert that without doing further study to get back to nursing.
“Now is the time when I had to make the decision either to stay for the next 10 years or rip the band-aid off and go earlier.
“Over the last 12 months, I’ve really missed nursing.”
Seeing another local business shut up shop is a tough pill for the Shepparton community to swallow.
However, there’s still a thread of hope.
Ms Novotny has reached out on social media, hoping to find a buyer for Capitol Clothing.
To date, no-one has come forward.
The clock’s still ticking, of course, unlike the limited opportunity to grab a bargain.
Capitol Clothing is holding progressive sales leading up to its closing day, including a 50 per cent discount on all items during the last week, provided stock remains.
In her final days as a local business owner, Ms Novotny wishes to thank her loyal customers and express her appreciation for the connections she has made.
These friendships forged will not be lost in her transition from selling garments of impeccable stitching to stitching up wounds.
More broadly, Ms Novotny shared a message for the community — one that championed the importance of supporting our vibrant local businesses.
“The biggest message in current times is there’s always a place for online, and we’re online as well, so I get it,” she said.
“But I see all the shops closing in Shepparton, and I think our community needs to support Shepparton first — just come and shop, see what we’ve got and then look online or go out of town.
“We’re going to see a lot more businesses close if they’re not supported.”
Capitol Clothing Co is located at 99 Fryers St, Shepparton, and is open from Tuesday to Friday, 9.30am to 5pm, and Saturday, 10am to 2pm.
Capitol Clothing Co is holding progressive sales leading up to its closing day.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit