Halloween in Northampton: Owner of well-known fancy dress shop prepares for 24th year of spooky celebrations

A well-known fancy dress shop which has been open in Northampton since 1999 is once again preparing for “the busiest time of year” – Halloween.

Hazel Harris has been running the popular Dazels shop in St Leonards Road, Far Cotton for 24 years and counting.

The business is almost entirely dependent on events like Halloween and Christmas to keep things running.

Speaking to Chronicle & Echo, Hazel said: “It’s been 24 years and we’re still going strong.

"This is the busiest time of the year. I try to encourage people to come in early because you are able to take your time and try a costume on, and it’s a lot to sort on my own!

"We have a vast amount of costumes on the shelves, masks, makeup, accessories and contact lenses. My favourites are the masks from Mexico.”

Hazel first started the shop at the end of the last century alongside her husband Darren, who sadly died 10 years ago.

The couple were former DJs working four nights a week for 25 years providing entertainment for birthdays, weddings and more.

Hazel said: “We used to be packed out. People used to dress up; Darren said why don’t we open up a fancy dress shop, and that’s what we did.” The pair combined their names and Dazels was born.

Since opening all those years ago, Hazel has survived the rapid rise of online shopping, two huge floods in Far Cotton, and all the while watching other shops around her close.

Asked for her secret to success, Hazel said: “Just to be friendly to people and try and have a laugh with them. I think that’s what people would say when they come in here. If I had a better secret I’d be more busy!

“The thing is with a shop like this, you’ve got to have a sense of humour and customers have got to have a sense of humour as well.”

She added: “My customers are loyal to me and they come in year after year because they want to see the costumes and products.

"Thank you to all our loyal customers who return each year to support us, it's much appreciated.

"Please come and support small shops. The streets are changing in Northampton and you know, individual shops, we’ve got to keep them open.”