The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Family feel to new boutique in prime city centre setting
Mum and daughter duo Rose and Lauren Reid are still “pinching themselves” at opening their new shop on Aberdeen’s Granite Mile.
The ambitious pair started out their business by transforming the former cat cafe on the Netherkirkgate into the Lolo and Co women’s clothes shop in 2019.
Lauren, who studied law and management, has always had an interest in fashion and found the perfect partner by launching the boutique with her mum.
They spotted a gap in the market when it came to an independent boutique offering clothes for ladies of all ages.
Last year, they began planning a big move to Union Street by refurbishing a vape shop into a more prominent store.
After months of work on the venue, it finally all came together this month.
Last Saturday, they moved the stock to their spot at 226 Union Street.
Since announcing the move last autumn, the mum and daughter have been encouraged by positive comments from customers.
And they hope to pick up a few new regulars now, too.
But it’s more than just that. The pair see being on Union Street as a bit of an honour.
Lauren said: “It maybe sounds a bit cringe, but we never thought we would ever be on Union Street.”
Rose added: “We have to give ourselves a wee pinch!
“We feel we have come far to reach this point.”
The Reids were recently encouraged by the success independent clothes shop Attic has enjoyed since moving to Union Street.
Rose and Lauren reckon they are in a similar position, as Attic moved from The Academy on Belmont Street to the more visible spot.
Lauren said: “We are right on one of the biggest junctions on Union Street, so we are in a prime spot to be noticed.
“Just yesterday a lady popped her head in before we were even open.
“She had never heard of us before and was keen to have a look even though we were standing there in our scrubs!
But the pair are eager to stress that local businesses like theirs rely on the support of the city to stay alive.
“Getting people to shop local is the main thing,” Lauren said.
“People say there are no shops left on Union Street, and that will come true without support.
“This is a huge jump for us, but we are really positive and determined to make it work.”
The new shop also comes with extra space to fit in more brands, and they recently added Penny Black to their range.
The pair praised the ongoing effort to rejuvenate the thoroughfare, and have had positive talks with the Our Union Street campaign group set up to rejuvenate the Granite Mile, which has just completed its first year.
“And we are happy to get out there and help too, we don’t mind mucking in and cleaning Union Street if that means more people will come!” said Lauren.