October has seen plenty of excitement as new businesses opened across Hertfordshire, but lots of sadness as beloved stores closed.
Here's five businesses that opened or closed this month.
1. Trespass - Stevenage
Trespass in Stevenage's Westgate Shopping centre is set to close its doors early next year.
Signs went up at the sport and camping shop last week, with an "everything must go" sale under way ahead of a planned January closure.
It is unknown what will replace Trespass inside Westgate after the shop closes its doors for the final time.
For Stevenage shoppers the nearest branch of Trespass will now be in Letchworth.
2. Knead & Desire Bakehouse - Hitchin
A new award-winning bakery, described as "a dream come true" by its owner has opened in Hitchin.
Knead & Desire Bakehouse has moved into 7 Churchgate, with the venture long in the making for owner Matthew Rideout.
"It's taken three years to get here and set up my own bakery, so I'm absolutely chuffed. It's a dream come true for me," he said.
"I came to Hitchin for the first time and I knew this was where I wanted to be. There's such an amazing vibe here with all the independent businesses, the food and events, so it really won me over."
3. My Vintage Market - Tewin
A showroom selling "one-of-a-kind" vintage furniture has opened in Tewin.
My Vintage Market operates from Tewin Hill Farm and revives antique pieces that would often be left to collect dust.
Owner Louise Brown believes that given new life to the "one-of-a-kind" furniture helps not only save them, but also saves the planet by reducing waste.
"It’s rewarding to offer people a way to find one-of-a-kind pieces that add character and charm to their homes. At the same time, we’re helping to reduce waste by giving old furniture new life," she said.
4. Emmy’s Brigadeiro Artisan Chocolate Shop - Hatfield
A new artisan chocolate shop selling handcrafted Brazilian treats has opened in Hatfield.
Emmy’s Brigadeiro Artisan Chocolate Shop in The Broadway in Old Hatfield, which is owned by Emmy Rocha, specialises in Brigadeiro, a handcrafted Brazilian treat which is slow cooked and then hand rolled into bite sized balls of chocolate, nuts and fruit.
"At the same time that I fell in love with my Brazilian husband, I also fell in love with the Brigadeiro," said Emmy.
"When he introduced me to his group of friends who were mainly Brazilians, I had the opportunity to see that they love partying. One thing came to my attention quickly. There was no party without Brigadeiros."
5. Prestige Dry Cleaners - St Albans
A dry cleaning shop in St Albans has closed its doors after almost a decade in business.
Prestige Dry Cleaners had been a fixture at 113 Hatfield Road since 2013, and many were sad to see the business go, with one writing: "I always found them to be the best, never had any problems with them. Gutted."
For many former patrons, the nearest dry cleaners will now be Super Laundrette & Dry Cleaners at 50 New House Park.
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