“It’s been such a tough decision but I know this is absolutely the correct call”Sophia Barrese, owner of Top of The Town Vintage in Stockport(Image: Manchester Evening News)

One of the best-known independent shops on Stockport Underbanks is set to close.

Top of the Town Vintage on Lower Hillgate, which is owned by retro-loving fashion influencer Sophia Rosemary Barrese will shut its doors in the coming weeks.

Fashion influencer Sophia, who is married to Blossoms drummer Joe Donovan, announced the news on social media earlier today but reassured fans that the store will continue online.

The fashionista opened the vintage clothing shop in 2021, realising a lifelong dream by taking on a former hairdresser’s salon which she converted into her 1960s and 70s vintage wonderland.

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Announcing the closure of the physical store in a lengthy social media post, she said it had been a ‘tough’ decision, but said it was ‘impossible’ to give it the time and energy it deserved.

Sophia wrote on Instagram this afternoon: “To my dear customers, the time has come to share some bittersweet news with you all. I am making plans to move Top Of The Town entirely online and close the shop.

Sophia at her new vintage shop Top of the Town in Stockport(Image: @Sophia_Rosemary)

“I have enjoyed every moment spent in my boutique however, with a large percentage of my customers online/worldwide, and as I find it an increasing struggle to give the shop the time it requires, I need to make the right decision for the business and put my attention solely into the stores online presence.

“It’s been such a tough decision but I know this is absolutely the correct call.

“For those who have followed my business in the early days, you’ll remember themed collections, carefully curated, photographed and presented. I want to get back to this!

“And I want to focus my energy on creating engaging online content. Whilst I have the shop (which I juggle with my other career), it is impossible to give this the time and energy it needs as all my focus is on the day to day tasks of running a brick & mortar shop.

(Image: @Sophia_Rosemary)

“The shop has quite literally been a dream come true for me. Meeting my customers face to face, forging friendships I will forever cherish and sourcing beautiful vintage pieces for incredible women. You have no idea the joy it brings me and it is undoubtedly something I will revisit the future.”All is not lost, the online collections will get better! I would also like to increase my online offering looking at lower price point vintage items on other platforms away from my website.

“Plus I will still be running the “by appointment” sessions at my new Stockport office space and I would like to look at creating more collections repurposing vintage fabrics and tablecloths.

“This is the beginning of something exciting but please bear with me in the first few months as I find my feet.

Blossoms star Joe Donovan and fashion influencer Sophia Rosemary Baresse married in the Peak District on June 8, 2025(Image: Leah Lombardi/@leahweddings )

“I’ve not yet decided on the stores finally day but will of course keep you posted, it will most likely be in the next month. Finally I would like to thank each and every one of you who visited me in my shop, you have no idea how much it means to me.

“Please pop in and visit me in these last few weeks and keep your eyes peeled on here for news re the store closure/online updates. Lots of love Sophia & Peppy xx.”

The shop owner started her own fashion blog over a decade ago, and soon racked up thousands of fans on her own Instagram page Sophia Rosemary, making a full-time career out of sharing her vintage gems and rare retro finds.

She opened the store four years ago with the aim of making vintage fashion ‘accessible to all’ with a range of curated pre-loved pieces from the 60s and 70s.