A ladies wear boutique owner has said an emotional goodbye to her customers after having to close her 'dream' store after two years.

Louise Mills, 60, opened boutique Casa Louisa in Needham Market's High Street in 2021.

East Anglian Daily Times: Louise Mills (centre) with two loyal Casa Louisa customers.Louise Mills (centre) with two loyal Casa Louisa customers. (Image: Casa Louisa)

"It had always been my dream to open my own boutique," she said.

"And though we won't exist in the traditional bricks and mortar sense, I'll still be selling online and getting new stock in."

After two years of success, Mrs Mills made the difficult decision to close the shop earlier this year.

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"The overheads, including the energy bill, were just unsustainable," she added.

East Anglian Daily Times: Louise Mills is continuing Casa Louisa online and is currently in the process of creating a website.Louise Mills is continuing Casa Louisa online and is currently in the process of creating a website. (Image: Casa Louisa)

"I've built up a strong client base over the last two years, but they can't buy something every week.

"If things get better in the future, I'll definitely look at reopening a physical store."

Mrs Mills said she was "overwhelmed" by the response she received when the boutique's closure was announced.

She said her goodbyes to her customers on the last day of trading on Saturday, April 22.

"They made me cry with their flowers and presents," said Mrs Mills.

"Casa Louisa has been a hub for her community and I want to keep those friendships forever."

East Anglian Daily Times: Casa Louisa customers wearing dresses bought from the store.Casa Louisa customers wearing dresses bought from the store. (Image: Casa Louisa)

However, this is not the end of the line for her ladieswear boutique, as Mrs Mills is currently in the process of setting up a website and will also be taking part in pop-up events in Framlingham, Debenham and Bury St Edmunds.

She added: "I'd like to thank my customers for all their love and, most importantly, their friendship.

"Let's continue this lovely thing that we've started together and make sure we stay in touch."