A Cleethorpes pop-up fashion store that has injected new life into the seaside town is now looking for a permanent home.
Victoria Parkes set up Nude, in Cambridge Street, after realising she had far too many clothes. Since opening, she has displayed thousands of pieces of clothing, jewellery and even home furnishings in a unique shop that has attracted people from as far away as Leeds.
With business booming and other local stores seeing the benefit, Victoria is hoping to open a shop on a permanent basis somewhere in the town. She has also had a huge impact on women struggling with the menopause, with some of them crediting the store with helping them to find their feet again.
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She said: “It’s been brilliant. We’ve created a bit of a hub for people who have not had the chance to properly shop for themselves since Covid. A lot of people told me they’ve ‘lost touch’ with how to do things, but that the shop has helped them find their way again.
“We’ve had all sorts of people coming in with different issues and it’s even helped the other businesses in the area. It’s been that popular that I’ve even had people come all the way from Leeds to visit the shop.” Victoria says it’s been wonderful seeing people go out in Cleethorpes wearing her clothes and that there is no suggestion of her stopping.
“I’ve got so many clothes and people have been begging me to open on a permanent basis. I found another 16 bags of clothes in my loft and people are even asking me to sell their clothes for them too.” She added: “It’s gone so much better than I expected and it’s been great for the street too.
“The best bit has been seeing people’s confidence grow when they put on certain clothes. They go into a completely different mindset. A couple of times people have come in and I’ve seen they’re struggling and have been able to help.
“One woman came in who had not been out for a long time and she bought loads, she left feeling so much happier. Her husband said he’d not seen her like this in a long time. People want to dress up, but can’t afford to and this has helped them do that.
“Some women who are struggling in the menopause have come in and said this has really helped them.” Victoria also has big plans for the future. She said: “I’m only here for a few more days so I’ve started looking at premises. I’d also like to bring someone in who might be able to customise clothing. If it’s torn or ripped, we shouldn’t just throw it away, but make it into something different.”
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