5 Herts businesses that have opened or closed this month

Here's five businesses that opened or closed this month.

1. Ann Marie's - Hitchin

A womenswear boutique in Hitchin is set to close down, with its owner planning to retire after 35 years in the fashion industry.

Ann Marie's in Churchyard will be shutting later this year, with a closing down sale currently taking place.

Ann Marie Rouse is retiring later this year. (Image: Dan Mountney) Owner Ann Marie Rouse told The Comet that now was the time to call it a day, having recently recovered from breast cancer.

"I’ve been in the fashion industry for 35 years, and I’ve been here in Hitchin for 17 years," she said.

"I had breast cancer and I’m nearly 70, so I think it’s the right time.

"If I had a daughter that could take over the business then I would stay because it’s a good business and Hitchin is a great town, but for me, it’s time to retire."

READ MORE: Hitchin boutique Ann Marie's to close as proud owner retires

2. Say - Hitchin

New Hitchin doughnut shop Say has finally open its doors to hungry customers.

Say has opened in 38 Churchyard after months of work to get the unit ready, with co-owner Aaron Shade hoping he can fill a doughnut-shaped void in the town.

Aaron Shade outside Say. (Image: Dan Mountney)

"We feel like we’ve got a bit of a niche with the doughnuts, but we are trying to broaden what we do now with buns," he told The Comet.

"Doughnuts are treats, and its not treat day every day, but you do need lunch or a coffee every day. We’re trying to provide that without going too off course from what we do.

"We’ve got coffee and doughnuts on the sign, so when people were walking past while we were getting ready to open, they were saying, ‘oh, not another coffee shop’, but we’re so much more than that. Doughnuts come first."

READ MORE: 'Proper family business' - Inside Hitchin doughnut shop Say

3. Glasshouse - Hitchin

Hitchin's Pitcher & Piano has a new name following a change of management.

The popular bar chain has called the Corn Exchange at 31 Market Place home for more than a decade, but it will now be known as The Glasshouse after new owners took over.

Glasshouse in Hitchin. (Image: Dan Mountney)

"Exciting news! Pitcher & Piano Hitchin is now under new ownership as The Glasshouse," read a post on Facebook. 

"We're thrilled to welcome you all for delicious food, crafted cocktails, bottomless brunch, entertainment, and more. Bookings are now open – we can't wait to see you."

READ MORE: Hitchin bar Pitcher & Piano becomes The Glasshouse

4. Fave UK - St Albans

A new wellness space and bakery has opened in St Albans.

Fave UK opened its doors on Sunday, September 15 at Park Mill on Burydell Lane, promising to offer customers "a boutique wellness club promoting a slower paced lifestyle for the community".

Fave UK has opened in St Albans. (Image: Hayley Star)

Founder Hayley Star said: "This is somewhere for the community to fulfil all of their wellness needs under one roof.

"It's the perfect place for balanced living, somewhere you can go to exercise, socialise, work and play, fuelling the body, engaging the mind and nurturing the spirit."

5. CTD Tiles - St Albans

The St Albans branch of CTD tiles has closed its doors after the chain fell into administration.

of the tile supplier's stores will permanently shut, despite a takeover from rival Topps Group rescuing some of its branches, including the store in Watford.

The St Albans branch of CTD Tiles has closed. (Image: Google Maps)

The closure of the branch will mean that workers at the Hatfield Road branch will be among the 268 redundancies caused by the move.

CTD Tiles was founded in the 1960s and had been a leader in the supplying industry before running into financial difficulty.

Topps Group has acquired the company for a fee in the region of £9m.

READ MORE: CTD Tiles closes St Albans branch after rival takeover