New fashion store opens after end of lockdown

A NEW fashion store has opened in Derby city centre on the day the second national lockdown was lifted.

1NE Derby opened in Sadler Gate yesterday, joining dozens of non-essential shops across the city able to trade again after four weeks’ enforced closure.

Run by four young entrepreneurs from Derbyshire, the store specialises in menswear and womenswear made by local brands and designers as well as vintage items.

One of the owners, Alex McLeod, from Aston-on-Trent, revealed what customers can expect if they visit the outlet, located above a new salon called Bear and The Hare, and opposite the Wonky Table restaurant.

The 25-year-old is running the shop alongside Richie Smitham, 26, of Heanor; Connor O’Reilly, 25, of Chellaston, and founder Dan Bennett, 26, of Alvaston.

Alex said: “Dan started 1NE Derby, and the four of us run it together. We stock all things wonderful, from vintage menswear to newer rare, one-off pieces and dead stock. All four of us come from creative backgrounds and bring different elements and benefits as a group.

“We have a buy, sell and trade aspect of the shop, where you can bring old clothes you don’t wear any more and we can offer you a sale price or negotiate a trade for something in store or store credit.

“We also have a brilliant women’s range. We’re not just a clothes shop either, we also have a lot of art and pictures in store created by local artists and designers.

“We’re trying our best to help our community grow and flourish - we work with a variety of different people and we aim to keep this up in the future.”

Alex, who has been working in the vintage clothing industry for around six years, went on to provide details of some of the products available at his new shop.

He said: “Run by me and Connor, Hella Vintage specialises in vintage clothing, high-end fashion and luxury pieces from the 1970s to 2000s. We bring a wide knowledge of the vintage fashion industry to the shop.

“Another resident seller is Street Garment, ran by Richie, which specialises in streetwear and workwear. He brings a different element to the shop stocking rare clothing and dead stock pieces.

“Some of the other sellers and companies under our roof are New Life Kicks, Crep Valet, Sneaker Junction, Naughty Nikes and N4TLL Customs.”