Neston: New ladies clothing shop set to opens its doors next week

Hilary James, originally from Stoke-On-Trent, but who now lives in Raby Mere, and Sue Byrne from Altrincham, but now living in Willaston, met through Hilary's husband, who Sue met at university.

The friends quickly bonded over clothes, fashion and styling and after realising they both wanted to get out of the jobs they were in, they started to talk about opening a womenswear store.

Sue and Hilary's careers

Sue, who has a degree in food science, and spent 35 years working in food operations such as the Nestle factory, recently decided to pursue her interest in fashion at the London College of Style, receiving a distinction in Personal Styling.

Speaking to the Globe, Sue said: "I can analyse people's body shapes to make sure the clothes that they buy suit them.

"With personal styling, people can think they don't look good in something and can become anonymous and not feel themselves.

"I wanted to learn something before coming into this and bring something to the shop. I absolutely love doing it as well to see how happy people are when they leave."

Hilary's career has been based on e-commerce and fashion, working as a marketing director for several large fashion companies.

She will be working on the shop's website and social media in her role.

Together, with the pair's experiences and backgrounds, they decided to set up in Neston after finding the premise on the market.

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"We've always talked about fashion and the brands we love", Hilary said.

"The opportunity just arose and we saw the shop on Neston's busy high street.

"If we don't do it now we're never going to do it. This is the right premises and the right time and we knew this place would work."

Sue said: "People have been coming in and asking if we're open yet.

"I'm looking forward to engaging with people and helping them but also people just coming in for a chat."

What will the shop sell?

The shop will sell small, independent brands, which are not sold in many places. Brands will include My Essential Wardrobe, Beyond by Vera, Ganni, Rixo, Needle and Thread, Mrselfportrait, Fika, and Ibu Jewels.

The shop will have several small brands to purchase (Image: Cherish Forever Photography)

"We want to support small businesses, and get pieces that you can't get anywhere else", Hilary said.

As well as the chance to buy unique pieces of clothing, jewellery, candles and handbags, Sue will be running styling sessions where you pay an amount using the shop's booking system and have yourself styled by her, as a type of 'wardrobe edit'.

Sue added: "I can help find those hero pieces in your wardrobe that are missing and really help people find what they need to feel confident in what they are wearing.

"When I do the styling a lot of people say to me they don't want to spend a lot of money but you'll never be made to buy something here, it's about finding pieces that suit you so you don't waste your money."

There will also be opportunities to rent dresses, as Sue and Hilary understand that not everyone wants to pay full price for a dress to wear for one occasion.

There will always be around 8-10 pieces available to rent.

A selection of the dresses available to rent (Image: Cherish Forever Photography)

Hilary said: "People can come in if they have a christening or an event and rent a dress for the weekend.

"They bring it back and a dress which would usually cost £300, will cost them £50 to rent."

Sue added: "It's about learning about our clientele. Once we know what people like we can order more of that in. We want people to tell us what they want."

"You'll get a very warm welcome from us and most importantly you'll get help," Hilary said.

Wardrobe at The Cross will officially open on Friday, March 31. They are located at 25A, High Street Neston CH64 9TZ.

You can see more of the shop's pieces on its Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/wardrobeatthecross/ or on their website at https://www.wardrobeatthecross.co.uk/.

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