A much-loved Wellington costume shop is shutting its doors after 25 years.
The Costume Company has been a fancy-dress institution in the capital, but that's come to an end.
For the past eight years Russell and Maggie Freeman have owned the store, managed by their daughter Gemma.
"I think it's sad, but it will live on in people's memories, the photographs, all the memories of all the parties people went to.
"It'll survive in the hearts of Wellington's best," Gemma told TVNZ1's Seven Sharp.
After Wellington lost the country's biggest costume party - also known as the rugby sevens - business slowed. Online shopping also played a part.
"The younger generations tend to be more internet driven, whereas the older generations would prefer to come in and see what they're hiring, try on, touch, feel, but unfortunately it's a bit of a dying business," Gemma said.
There's still a chance for loyal customers to claim a memento in the store's closing down sale and say goodbye one last time.
SHARE ME