New boutique aims to offer something a little Amour different
NEW photos have given customers a look inside a new women’s fashion boutique which recently opened in a Derbyshire town. Belle Amour, which stocks ladies’ clothing, shoes and accessories, has opened in Ripley.
Owner Charlotte Hawkins says her No.8 Market Place outlet is a “fashionable, yet affordable boutique” with constantly changing stock. The 30-year-old South Normanton resident said: “My aim is to provide clothing that is a little bit different and to stock styles for all shapes and sizes, as everyone should be able to dress fabulous!”
Opening her own shop in Ripley is particularly special for Charlotte as her younger sister Georgia, 26, owns a beauty salon just around the corner in the town. Georgia Rianne Beauty has been trading from No.12 Church Street for just under two years.
Charlotte says seeing Crich resident Georgia start her own business in October, 2020, helped inspire her to follow suit. She said: “I am, of course, very proud of Georgia for setting up her own business.
“She helped to inspire me to also pursue my passion. It’s lovely to be just around the corner from her too!”
Belle Amour welcomed its first customers on June 28 to a unit which was formerly used as a taxi rank office. Charlotte says the shop has enjoyed a “great” first few weeks of trading, with customers able to find new items every time they pop in due to the ever-changing stock.
She explained: “Customers have loved the styles that are in the shop as they are just that little bit different from what you get on the high street. I don’t order big quantities of stock on styles so once it’s gone, it’s gone, meaning I can keep changing the stock constantly, as I want customers
to come in and see something different every time.
“Price wise, it’s middle of the range. A casual top or a pair of shoes are on average £25-£35, but I also have a couple of bits of occasion dresses which go up to £60.
“I am trying to cater to a range of sizes, some items are a smaller fit, some styles are one size and would fit most people.” Charlotte’s background is in purchasing, hence the boutique’s USP being the everchanging stock. She added: “I started out designing and buying headwear and accessories for an importer which then sold onto retail stores.
“I’ve always loved fashion and have dreamt of having my own boutique for years! Creating the website, working in retail and designing and setting up the shop has all been self taught over the last couple of months.”