Smiffy's staff left 'speechless' after being sent 'devastating' email

Staff at a Liverpool city centre fancy dress shop were left 'speechless' after receiving an email informing them they would all lose their jobs. Smiffy's workers received the news that the shop would close on the day after Halloween.

The store has welcomed shoppers through its big red doors on Bold Street for 20 years. It is a family business with 130 years of history in the costume business.

RH Smith, which trades as Smiffy's, went into administration in June this year, and was subsequently sold to global fancy dress company Ad Populum LLC. Joint administrator Jane Steer, of PwC, said at the time: “Smiffy’s is a popular brand that has been operating in one form or another since 1894, but sadly, like many other retailers, it was impacted by the after effects of the pandemic."

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However, it was announced earlier this week that Smiffy's Liverpool, as well as its other stores in Newcastle, Leeds and Headingley, would be closing its doors for the final time. Today was the final day of trading on Bold Street.

When the ECHO visited the shop this morning, several closing down signs had been placed in the window along with a notice that said: “This store will close today at 5.15pm.”

The ECHO spoke to one staff member as they carried items from the stockroom to the shop. They claimed the news had come as a shock to everyone working there. Asking not to be named, they told the ECHO: “I’ve been working here for a year. I joined as a temp and they kept me on. I’ve really enjoyed it. It’s been different from other places I’ve worked at because it’s a lot more chill. I’ve quite enjoyed it. The staff are really nice and I really got along with them. It’s very sad."

They added: “We got an email the day after Halloween about the termination of our contracts. I was like, ‘oh what?’ At the start of the year, there was a scare but we got bought by another company. We thought, ‘everything is fine now.’ I wasn’t expecting us to close.

“During our dry spells, we chat and get to know each other. I’ve heard about the store and what it used to be like. We’ve just been getting everything out today. It’s quite weird.” Another long-term staff member said: “We’re absolutely devastated. I don’t know what to say.”

Some shoppers chose to visit Smiffy's for one last time before it closed for good. George Hodge, 66, from Anfield, was on the lookout for bargain purchases but said he was upset for the staff members.

He said: “I’m expecting a fancy dress party at the end of the month. I thought I’d take advantage of the 75% [off]. I didn’t actually get what I came for but I’ve bought some masks for the kids for next year. At 75% off, you can’t grumble.

“I was sad when I heard about it. I was speaking to a staff member inside. She’s lost her job right on top of Christmas. It’s not a time of year you want to be falling out of work.

“Bold Street is turning more like Lark Lane with more bars and restaurants."

He added: "I've always called in, even if it’s just for a laugh on the way past. It’s sad that the staff are losing their jobs and I hope they find jobs in the near future.”

Couple Paul and Paula Woodkin, who are both 50 and from Kensington, wanted to visit Smiffy's for the last time just before they went on holiday. Paul said: “We're going to Benidorm on Tuesday for the festival carnival, so we were looking for an outfit. We've now got ones for Tuesday and next year’s festival as well. I don't like to see anyone going under. And unfortunately these guys, after so many years, are going under which is sad to see.”

Paula said: “I was shocked. Earlier this week I thought we'd go to Smiffy's and then I saw they were closing down. I was like, what?”

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Paul added: “You can tell the staff are a bit upset, but hopefully something similar opens up in its place, and the guys that are in there get other employment.”

Becky Hudson, 47, is from the Isle of Man and made sure to visit Smiffy's before she got on the ferry back with her and her husband this afternoon. She said: “We were in Liverpool for other reasons. We actually host quite a lot of parties back home. My other half loves fancy dress, so we thought while they were having a closing down sale we’d get our hands on as many items as we can. Last time we were in Liverpool, we bought a whole bunch of stuff here too. When we saw it last time, my partner was like a child in a sweet shop. We’re gutted. We only saw yesterday that it was closing when we walked up Bold Street. This morning, we thought, before we go on a ferry, let’s have a wander down.”

In a heartfelt tribute posted earlier this week, a Smiffy's spokesperson said: "We’re sad to announce the closure of the Smiffy's Bold Street store. Thank you to the wonderful people of Liverpool for hosting us for over 20 years. We are very sad to leave and are acutely aware of the of the profound impact it will have on each member of our valued team, but it is a reality of a trading environment in a prime high street location."

Smiffy's products will continue to be available on the company's website and at Lili Bizarre Fancy Dress & Balloons on Tarleton Street in Liverpool city centre.