It's been a long haul for Joan Morabito and her high-end women's clothing store, La Mode Boutique, which has been a fixture on Cross Street in Welland's downtown since 1970.

Morabito now plans to retire and spend time volunteering in the community. She said running a small business in a once-bustling downtown has left her with a lot of good memories.

"I met some very fine people," said the soft-spoken businesswoman. "At one time the downtown was a lot busier."

Morabito remembers watching the East Main Street bridge rise up, and people jumping from store to store, even dealing with knee-high snow during the holidays. Another highlight for her was the fashion shows.

"My favourite memories were the fashion shows we used to have here," said Morabito, adding that local girls modelled all the new styles during the 70s, 80s and 90s in a showroom upstairs from her store.

"I used to have them at the Welland Club too but they closed down," said Morabito.

Of course, things have changed over her time. Not everyone likes designer clothes anymore, she said.

"People dressed differently when I opened up," Morabito said. "Now you see women in track suits."

She was a bookkeeper in the Major Street industrial area before opening her store. The empire-of-one completely consists of Morabito, who does all the sales, accounting, receiving and house-keeping at La Mode Boutique.

Lots of regulars have said they are sorry to see her go, she said.

"I'm sorry to see myself go, too," said Morabito.

Her last day will be Dec. 31. After that, she said, she plans to get more involved in the community.

"Whoever wants me, I'll volunteer," said Morabito, who grew up in the Rose City and graduated from Welland High.

La Mode Boutique has stock that must go, she said. Prices are as low as 70 per cent less than the lowest ticket price, she said.

The store is open from noon-4 p.m. on weekdays and noon-3 p.m. on Saturday.