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Oct 2020

Last Updated: 23/10/2020

Business

Sneak Peek: Clothing store for all sizes opens in Knaresborough

by Suzannah Rogerson

| 23 Oct, 2020

Rebecca Lombardi, owner of The Clothing Store of Knaresborough, explains how her passion for clothes for all shapes and sizes has lead her to open a store on the town's high street.

This weekend Knaresborough high street will welcome a new addition called The Clothing Store of Knaresborough.

Owner Rebecca Lombardi is passionate about catering for all sizes and will stock women's clothes sizes eight to 32 once it opens on Saturday.

The store has been a dream of Rebecca's since she started working in retail at 16.

She opened her own online business in 2017 and her extensive retail experience has given her an eye for style. As she scans the racks of clothing, her passion is obvious.

The array of colours and fabrics is set against the shop's white walls. The space is clean and bright with industrial touches, such as steel racks for the clothes to hang on.

Rebecca said:

"I loved the feel of the front of the building and I thought it would make a lovely shop.

"I wanted the industrial look and white walls. I wanted the feel of a high-end boutique but without the price tag."

Her online site, Deals Direct, dealt with customers from all over the country but Rebecca wanted to offer the full shopping experience too.

She said:

"I think I can be a specialist to the plus-size range and I have a lot of regular customers that I think will travel to have the shopping experience.

"The average UK size is 16 to 18 yet you go into most shops and all those sizes have sold out. It's really important to look at the average size and shape of your customers and cater for those customers that may be excluded by other retailers."

Knaresborough's high street has evolved in recent months with many other shops opening. Rebecca fell for the town's charm, and said she was welcomed with excitement and positivity from residents and other businesses.

Customer service is a priority for Rebecca, who hopes to offer shoppers a one-to-one service.

"I want my customers to get a feel-good shopping experience and also find something they want to purchase."

Currently the shop only stocks women's clothes but she hopes to bring in men's items before Christmas.

It has taken Rebecca years to build up her customer base and it is only now she has the confidence to open a shop. She is also offering some space to other small businesses to stock their products.

"I want to give small businesses the chance to get their foot in the door. I know I would have really appreciated it at the beginning."