Date: 12/02/2008
Searching for that ideal lingerie gift for a partner, family member or friend can seem like mission impossible - but Hadfield business women Karen Anderson and Julie Newall have the perfect antidote to shopping stress.
Stay local to avoid the crowds yet still have a wide choice at your fingertips - that's the reassuring message from the co-owners of Je Suis Lingerie of Station Road, Hadfield, where the emphasis is on sensitive, individually-tailored service and customer satisfaction.
Approachability and accessibility are the watch words at Je Suis, which has just celebrated its first birthday. Karen and Julie, who cater for customers of all ages, from 11 to 70-plus, are keen to demonstrate that, as part of High Peak Borough Council's current 'Shop Smart, Shop local campaign, local shops are for everyone.
Both with a professional background in social care, they put their 'people skills' to good use by putting all their customers at ease, whatever the circumstances. As well as offering a free measuring and fitting service in the shop, they also carry out home visits for customers with mobility problems.
They offer a gift buying service and gift vouchers for male customers. "Last Christmas was our first in business, and we found that a lot of men came in to buy for the women in their lives," said Karen. "While a growing number are more aware of what their partners want, some need that bit of extra guidance, which we are more than happy to give."
Like many local business people, Karen and Julie recognise the need to be flexible, and so offer an on-line shopping service at www.jesuis.co.uk, plus evening and Sunday appointments for both individuals and groups, who find it difficult to visit during normal opening hours, and parties for people who live outside the immediate area.
They decided to launch a lingerie business because Karen, in particular, became frustrated at the lack of choice at local level, especially for larger women. "Whatever her size, a woman wants to look good and feel comfortable and confident," she said. "We cater for everyone, from very small to very large sizes, and aim at the mid price range to suit most people. Offering a customised service in a relaxed setting is very important to us. We treat everyone as an individual and give them as much time as they need."
Julie agreed: "We both support local shops because they are at the heart of the community, and are so convenient. It's all about building up relationships with people, about being part of local life. We get to know our customers so well that they come back time after time, which is very satisfying.
"Travelling to shop in busy city centres is so stressful, and parking can be a problem too. Staying local doesn't mean that you have to compromise on either choice or prices - we are competitive in both areas. We are so committed to encouraging customers to shop locally that our long-term ambition is to open more shops in other villages in the area, to cater for the needs of even more local people."
As well as stocking a full range of underwear from the UK and Europe, Karen and Julie are planning to branch out into luxury nightwear, stockings and swimwear.
Customer Lisa Broome, of Hadfield, said: "My mum Marilyn is disabled and confined to a wheelchair, so it's very difficult to take her shopping. Je Suis Lingerie's home visits are absolutely brilliant, because she was able to be measured and fitted in the comfort of her own home.
"Karen went out of her way to help - she not only came out to measure my mum, she came back to fit the bras properly when they arrived. My mum was really thrilled by the choice, fit and the reasonable price she was offered.
"I was very impressed, and have recommended Karen and Julie to several friends since. I think it's very important to support local shops. When they offer such an excellent service, it's well worth helping to keep them in business."
The 'Shop Smart, Shop Local' campaign in the Glossopdale area aims to promote the social, environmental and economic benefits of supporting local businesses. Customers can collect a sticker each time they buy something in a participating shop and stick it on a 'passport'.
Passports are available from shops taking part in the campaign, all High Peak Borough Council offices or in the current, Winter issue of the Council's Connect magazine. When one of the sections on the passport is full, it can be entered into a monthly prize draw if handed in at Glossop Municipal Buildings, Buxton, Chapel, New Mills and Whaley Bridge Town Halls, or posted to High Peak Borough Council, Hayfield Road, Chapel-en-le-Frith SK23 0QJ. Monthly prize draws will take place from now until March 2008.
Further information about the campaign, including tool kits full of marketing and promotional ideas and ways to encourage people to spend in local shops, are available from Sarah Porru, Glossop Vision programme officer, on 0845 129 77 77 / 01298 28400 or sarahporru@highpeak.gov.uk .
Caption: Julie Newall (left) and Karen Anderson of Je Suis Lingerie, Hadfield.