INDEPENDENT Grimsby fashion retailer Jazz is to throw a huge charity party to celebrate a quarter of a century helping to dress the town.
The Abbeygate gem has weathered not just the recent high street storm, but several others, too, and as the milestone year draws to a close a bash featuring the Rumble Band – in aid of St Andrew's Hospice – will toast the continued success.
Owner Darren Spencer, who was a trainee accountant at nearby Forrester Boyd until he went travelling around Europe with friend and initial business partner Tim Maddison, realised there was a niche for middle-market fashion retailing on his return.
That was 1987, and 25 years on, he is still ensuring men, and more recently women, too, don't miss out on the latest trends, with fellow directors Alfie Hope and wife Rachel Spencer.
Mr Spencer said: "We are not the only ones in Grimsby to pass 25 years by any stretch, but we have dozens and dozens come and go. You have got to work at it, and we have done, and it is not all highs, it can be tough at times, but that is running your own business."
The party planning seed was sewn well before Christmas, with a special double-your-money voucher promotion, with customers snapping them up receiving a ticket for the event, to be held from 7.30pm at The Beachcomber, Humberston on Thursday, March 14.
Mr Spencer said: "It was an idea to reward our loyal customers, and obviously with it being for charity, we want to get as many people there, so we have opened it up to anyone who wants to buy a ticket."
With tickets priced at £7, together with raffle and potential auction, the team hope to raise a total of £5,000, adding to £1,500 already raised in a festive promotion.
"We want to make sure we have the place full on the night, so we can make that happen" he said. Town favourite the Rumble Band will be on hand, with Grimsby Town players also to make an appearance, several being loyal customers themselves.
"The Rumble Band are looking forward to it," added Mr Spencer. "They haven't played Grimsby for a while."
Whether The Kinks' Dedicated Follower of Fashion is trotted out remains to be seen.
For tickets visit the store in Abbeygate, or call (01472) 240341.
