After almost a quarter century as a family business, Sabrina's owners have decided to sell their Washington Mall women's fashion store.

Sabrina's, formerly La Petite Boutique, was started by Mrs. Alice Talbot in 1972.

Her daughter, Mrs. H. Sabrina Kirby, joined the business fifteen years ago.

The duo has co-owned and co-managed the store as a team and "as best friends'', Mrs. Kirby said.

Sabrina's, located in various spots in the Washington Mall since it opened in 1972, is a women's retail clothing, bridal and shoe store carrying sports and evening wear, dresses from prom and graduation, lingerie, and fashion accessories.

The search for a buyer began in earnest last September.

"We decided to sell the business last September and we had some interest,'' Mrs. Kirby said.

But the Independence referendum likely stalled any potential buyers, she added.

Since it opened, Sabrina's has expanded from 280 square feet to its current location which occupies an area of over 3,000 square feet.

Two years ago the owners added a bridal section.

The time has come to "change focus,'' the mother and daughter agreed.

Mrs. Kirby, who will continue to own and operate Woodlands Playhouse Nursery and Pre-School, wishes to devote more time to her new baby daughter, Alicia, while Mrs. Talbot is looking forward to more travel time.

The pair agree that the 1990s have been the most difficult years since starting out in retail.

The recession hurt Bermuda's retail sector while shopping abroad and Government duty are issues which must be addressed if this area of the Island's business is going to bounce back, they believe.

Owning and operating a small business in the retail sector has changed drastically since the early 1970s, said Mrs. Talbot.

She cited rent and taxes as two areas where significant changes had occurred.

Customer buying habits have changed as well, she said.

"I have seen customers come to the store and buy 11 or 12 pairs of shoes at one time but this no longer happens,'' said Mrs. Talbot.

ALL IN THE FAMILY -- Owners of Sabrina's women's fashion store in the Washington Mall, Mrs. Alice Talbot (left) and Mrs. H. Sabrina Kirby are looking for a buyer for the business. Mrs. Kirby wants to devote more time to her new daughter, Alicia, centre.