November sees the 4th Anniversary of the opening of Goodies Womenswear in Frogmore Street. We caught up with owner Emma Goode to talk about how the business is doing.
“When I opened the shop in 2008 I did toy with the idea of calling it Madness as I was opening at the beginning of a recession and the start of the decline of High Street shopping across the UK. However I thought there was a real opportunity to create a shop for the more mature lady who is so often ignored by the High Street chains. I have worked really hard to establish the business and am now proud to have a lovely group of loyal customers and, as I promised I have consulted regularly with them on what it is they want to buy and tried my best to meet their need by listening to them carefully. For example, I had a lot of customers asking me for dresses that were cut in the right way with a sleeve and with that in mind I sourced a dress collection by Apanange all having the features that customers requested, they are selling really well.”
“Next season I will be offering a greater choice in footwear to compensate for the loss of two popular shoe shops in Abergavenny. Goody2Shoes is coming to Goodies.”
Emma recognises that shopping habits are changing. “There is definitely a drop in people coming to Abergavenny to shop. Mum and I visited the Hay Festival in the summer to listen to Mary Portas talk about the decline in the High Street and her recommendations to the government. She was very clear about the powerful role that local people have in keeping their High Streets alive.
I urge everyone to shop locally, if local traders don’t have what you need then ask them to get it for you, I am trying hard to be a listening shop.”
To celebrate its 4th Birthday, Goodies are offering a 10% birthday discount on all purchases during the month of November if they bring their Abergavenny Focus Magazine along.
“Thank you to all my customers for your support, custom and encouragement. Watch out for our next Fashion Show in March 2013. I love my shop and I love Abergavenny. Shop local and help to make our wonderful town thrive.”
