Susanna Freymark
Gail Sear has sold knickers and bras for 56 years.
At 72, she has decided to retire from her job at Kwong Sings Lingerie and Linen shop in Barker St in Casino.
Gail is the go-to person to fit a bra with mothers getting fitted and coming back with their daughters to see Gail.
Gail’s daughter Kylie Coughran said, “Mum has seen AA to G cup in bras.”
Gail worked for six years at Heathwoods Department Store in Casino starting in 1965. Then she went to Kwong Sings.
She has seen every breast size and tries to make women feel comfortable when they are being fitted and buying a bra, she said.
You’ve got to have the perfect fit.
Styles have changed in Gail’s time. There are G-strings, pretty bras and sleepwear is less feminine now, she said.
“Kids wear boxer shorts and a tshirt to bed,” she said.
For the last three years, Gail has worked part time. We asked what she will do in retirement.
“I’ll do what I do best — nothing,” she laughed.
Gail has made many friends out of her loyal customers and every time she thinks about her last day, the tears fall.
She pulls a coloured handkerchief from behind her bra strap and wipes her eyes.
Her final shift at Kwong Sings is on Christmas Eve.
and then