Sheila Burnett was a loyal customer of Packs, particularly during the time it transitioned from its original location to Cross Street in Ryde. Sheila recalls the store as a central part of her shopping life on the Isle of Wight, where she shopped for special occasions, including her daughter’s wedding. She emphasised the high level of customer service, particularly from staff like Molly Salmon, who would personally assist her in selecting outfits and ensuring she found what suited her.

Sheila’s most memorable experience was shopping for her daughter’s wedding dress in 1988. Despite initially being hesitant to shop locally, Sheila’s daughter eventually found her perfect dress at Packs, thanks to Molly’s assistance. Sheila’s own outfit for the wedding was also tailored and altered by the store’s dressmaker, showcasing the bespoke service that Pack’s provided, including the final delivery of the dress in perfect condition.

She also fondly remembers the social aspect of shopping at Packs, particularly spending Saturday mornings at The Coffee Bean café, which was a popular meeting spot. Sheila highlighted how Packs wasn’t just a place to shop, but also a social hub for the community, with attentive staff and a personal shopping experience that is largely lost in modern retail.