A POPULAR children’s clothing shop in Rugby is at the heart of a community crowdfunding campaign to keep its doors open.
After more than 30 years in business, Eliza Doolittle has closed its doors due to the retirement of its owner.
The Keep It Rugby Community Interest Company (CIC) – established to support the town’s independent shops and preserve the high street – has launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise £6,000 to relaunch the Albert Street shop.
The CIC, which has already taken Rugby Unwrapped, Rugby Bicycle Library and La Belle Boutique under its wing, was established in 2024 after founder Mark Thomas passed by the latter store during its final days of operation and decided to take action.
Mark said: “When independent shops disappear, so too does the individuality of a high street.
“Once the shutters go down, it becomes harder to keep our town centre thriving. The choice before us as a Rugby community is simple: we act together, or we watch our high street fade.
“The town centre is the pulse of any town, and through community action, Rugby can prosper once again. It’s been a tough time, but the support we’ve already seen from the community gives me hope.
“A donation to this crowdfunder isn’t just about helping shops pay their bills, it’s also about supporting local businesses. It’s about identity, community, and proving that Rugby can hold onto the things that make it unique.”
Keep it Rugby CIC is also planning what Mark describes as ‘innovative fundraising opportunities to create lasting change for the town centre’.
And if the Eliza Doolittle takeover does not go ahead, the CIC will redirect the funds to support its broader town centre projects.
Visit https://tinyurl.com/46bxkb97 to donate to the crowdfunding campaign.
