Much-loved vintage shop opened by the 'Coco Chanel of Sharrow Vale Road' to close after decades in Sheffield

The Front Parlour, on Sharrow Vale Road, opened in 1979 but will shut on January 31, with a final ‘everything must go’ sale happening until the last day.

The business was set up by Helen ‘Betty’ Nash, nicknamed the ‘Coco Chanel of Sharrow Vale Road’ for her elegant dress sense, in particular her beloved pearl earrings.

Originally the shop sold glassware but, around a year after it opened, trade was slow so Betty turned out her wardrobe and found a pair of stiletto heels from the 1950s or 60s.

After selling the pair, customers asked for more clothing and shoes, so the venture grew from there.

Betty died in 2018 aged 92, five years after retiring. Her daughter Jane Grant has run the business since her mother stepped down, sourcing items locally.

The freehold interest in The Front Parlour's premises has been advertised through property firm Crosthwaite Commercial. Bids of around £225,000 were being invited and the place is now under offer according to the agency’s website.

“The shop is currently occupied by The Front Parlour at a nominal rent with the lease expiring 31st January 2020," the listing said. “Notice has been served on the tenant and therefore the ground floor unit will be offered with vacant possession upon completion.”

Supporters have been reacting to the closure on the shop’s Facebook page.

“What a shame,” wrote Julie Patterson. “I've got loads of stuff I've bought over the years.”

Rosemary de Ville said: “You will be missed, but I have many Art Deco gems to remember you by.”

Ania Florcia Kucewicz wrote: “So sorry to hear you are shutting. I have lots of lovely things I’ve bought over the many years from The Front Parlour, a little haven of times gone by. I shall miss you very much but thankyou and good luck.”

And Jo Adams said: “I left Sheffield almost 15 years ago and still miss The Front Parlour and have never found anywhere else like it. So sorry for your loss Sheffield.”