New Year's revellers flock to party shop

From the Swindon Advertiser, first published Friday 2nd Jan 2004.

STAFF at a party shop in Chippenham have been rushed off their feet while trying to cope with the demand for new year fancy dress costumes.

Extra workers were drafted in to help with the rush at The Giant Party Shop in New Road.

More than 700 costumes have been hired or sold with characters such as Scooby Doo and Batman and Robin proving popular.

Manager Lisa Mansfield, 31, said: "It has been absolutely manic."

"It's good news for the business, but a couple of people have been off sick which has caused some problems."

Other popular outfits have included Spiderman and Cruella De Vill from the Disney classic 101 Dalmatians.

"Villains and heroes seems to be a very popular theme this year," said Ms Mansfield.

"My favourite costume is Betty Boo."

The party shop, which is celebrating its second anniversary in May, is busier during Halloween and whenever a special event is held such as Comic Relief.

Its most expensive costume for hire is a two-man pantomime horse, priced at £45.

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