Little N's Baby Boutique in the Priory Shopping Centre, Dartford, to close after 22 years due to parking hike

A family-run children's clothing shop is closing after more than two decades trading.

Debra Winter, who runs Little N's Baby Boutique, says it was a difficult decision triggered by an increase in parking costs.

Her store at the Priory Shopping Centre in Dartford, has been kitting out children in adorable outfits since May 2003.

Debra and her partner Mark Aldridge first started out selling clothes in local markets across Kent and the Southeast in 1997.

The couple, who live in West Kingsdown, have been together for more than 30 years, and first met each other in Blackpool on a stag do and hen party.

The shop survived several Covid lockdowns and even the cost of living crisis – with the pair continuing to work seven days a week.

In May 2023, they celebrated 20 years of trading.

Debra previously told KentOnline how running a business wasn’t “for the light-hearted” and hoped to be at the centre for another 10 years before retiring.

However, last July, Mark was offered a job at a large construction firm, and by January Debra decided to reduce the store’s opening hours.

The 58-year-old has now announced that next Sunday (March 23) will be their last day of trading at their store in Dartford.

She attributed the decision to a recent parking price hike at the complex.

“I used to pay £16.60 every week – which is approximately £66 a month,” Debra explained.

“Around two weeks ago I went to pick the option on the app and it had gone, instead I could only choose a monthly permit of £120.

“I just can't warrant paying that. I was quite upset and angry.

“I rang up and was told they were making the car park the same price and in line with all the others in Dartford.”

The multi-storey is owned by the shopping centre and tickets can be purchased via a machine or on the RingGo app.

It charges £3 for two hours, £5 for three and £10 up to four. The centre also offers a three-monthly permit for £400.

The boutique sells a variety of baby clothes and accessories, including comforters, bibs, soft-sole shoes, head bows, blankets and personalised items.

Debra says the rise of TikTok Shop, an e-commerce feature of the popular social media app, and fast-fashion brands such as Temu and Shein has also hit the business hard.

She also claims people are choosing to visit Bluewater – which has no parking charges – instead of heading into the town centre.

Since the announcement, Debra has received dozens of well-wishes from customers and generations of families who have bought from them over the last two decades.

The mum-of-three added: “I can’t believe how many people have messaged me asking why we are going.

“Many of them say they just don’t come to Dartford anymore or haven’t been in ages – which as a business is not what you want to hear.”

It’s not the first time changes to parking operations have proved controversial at the car park, which is frequently used by Sainsbury's customers as there's a branch inside the Priory Centre.

There was also outrage from Blue Badge holders who were previously able to park for free but now have to pay.

Debra wishes to thank everyone for their support over the years and “all the lovely private messages” she’s been sent.

“I’ve been trying not to cry,” she added.

Debra is now selling the rest of her stock and hopes the unit will be taken over by another independent trader.

She wants to spend more time with her children and plans on having a relaxing summer, before looking for a part-time job.

The Priory Centre declined to comment at this time.