THE longest running stall in Cardigan’s Guildhall is celebrating its 40th anniversary this May.

The haberdashery and wool stall in Cardigans market is run by Carol Pearce – the only haberdashery in town.

She said: “We opened in May 1975 and we only had a very small stall but the business has now extended.

“The secret to running a business like this is having regular customers and being able to get your customers what they need. If we don’t have the stock they are after we will order it and get it in for them as soon as possible.”

Carol told me that she has regular customers and even regular tourists that stay at caravan parks nearby in the summer and always come back to her every year.

The haberdashery is a family-run business, Carol is now helped by her daughter and her granddaughter has just started working there on the weekends.

When Carol first started the business 40 years ago she needed to be supported by her husband working full time, but now the business is fully functioning and earning and she hopes it will continue through the generations.

Carol described working at the market. She said: “It’s one big family community. You do see people come and go here.

“I like to refer customers to local shops if I haven’t got what they are looking for, it’s just good business to do this in a town. It’s something that has been lost over the years in many places.”

Carol has also done a lot of work for charity, especially Ty Hafan.

Carols Haberdashery and wool stall is open Monday to Saturday from 8.30am till 5pm.

She and her family would like to thank their customers for their continued loyalty over the years which has helped them grow and continues to keep them going.