“WE LOVE it when we make someone’s day - we go home feeling good.”
Louise Fowlds is proud of Blue Ginger, the boutique she opened and runs in Keighley’s historic Royal Arcade.
She and her small team of staff pride themselves on their welcoming, helpful approach and love the fact that people come back again and again. “We offer a personal service and know what our customers like. We like it when they leave happy.”
Blue Ginger - our Telegraph & Argus Trader of the Week - specialises in one-size clothing 8 to 24. “We stock a mixture of casual styles in a variety of colours and in unusual prints, using different accessories to complement the look,” says Louise.
Much of the stock is sourced in Italy. “Our clothes are a little bit different from those you see on the high street,” says Louise. “They are classic, ageless styles with a twist.”
Louise, who grew up in the Keighley area and now lives in Oakworth, studied textiles and ceramics at the University of Cumbria.
She loved the idea of selling her own clothes and jewellery so after graduating she took on a shop in Keighley’s Royal Arcade and began selling handmade jewellery and clothing, while also sourcing items from overseas.
She called the shop Blue Ginger, after a shop she had seen in Singapore, where her parents then lived.
“I was always on the hunt for unusual items to sell - something a little different. For a short time I also ran jewellery making and textile classes.”
She also held clothing parties in people’s homes. “Through those I became quite well known in the local area.”
When a double-fronted shop at the front of the historic arcade came available she took it on. “It was quite nerve-wracking - a big leap, but it was worth it. There was so much space, giving me room to grow the business.”
Much of her stock is sourced from Italy, as well as from trade shows in London. “They are styles that can be worn again and again. Being a boutique we try not to stock too much of one item.”
Among the most popular sellers are magic pants - four-way stretch trousers that fit most sizes. “They are a staple - we are known for them,” says Louise.
There are plans to grow the website, which launched in 2020, and weekly Facebook Live posts on social media showcase new stock. “We have a good following - we call ourselves the Blue Ginger Family,” says Louise.
Manager Linda Long, sales assistant Linda Firth, Raegan Dunbar and Minnie Waddington make up her much-valued team.
Louise draws on her creativity to dress the windows of her shop, something she enjoys. “I also like laying out the business pages on social media. I like setting things up, so although I no longer make clothes there is a creative side. “We model everything ourselves, which is something that customers like. We are all different sizes which works really well.”
Blue Ginger also hosts fashion shows at local venues such as village halls and golf clubs, to fundraise for local charities.
The team love being part of the Royal Arcade. “It’s a great location - the businesses help each other,” adds Louise.
Blue Ginger, Royal Arcade, 73 Low St, Keighley BD21 3QP; bluegingerboutique.com; facebook.com/BlueGingerBoutique/
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