A new shop is opening in Helensburgh this week, inspired by the outdoors and slow living.
North-Northwest is opening up in the former Vanity Fair premises on Sinclair Street.
And there will be familiar faces for shoppers, as the former shop’s staff Margaret Hull and Emma Mitchell are both part of the new venture.
Lucy Paterson (above), who runs the Scandinavian Shop next door, is showing her faith in the town centre by opening North-Northwest.
North-Northwest – which is due to open on Friday – will have an outdoors theme, with all its stock – from British and international suppliers – either designed for using outdoors or inspired by the outdoors.
“I wanted to bring the sea, the mountains and the loch together – the things surrounding us that people enjoy in the outdoors,” said Lucy
“I want to promote slow living – buying good quality products that will last, but with a bit of style to them.
“It’s classic clothing that is really good quality – you can buy one and it’ll last you for years.
“It doesn’t mean it’s going to cost you the earth – you might pay more than you would in Primark, but we’re trying to be quite fair on prices as well.”
Brands that will be in stock when the shop opens include Didrikson and Rains raincoats, Harley knitwear, Merry People shoes, and Falcon enamelware.
There will also be books with an outdoors theme, as well as cotton and woollen blankets, swing towels and Scott’s Apothecary candles and body oils.
The Scandinavian Shop celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, and Lucy said independent retailers were key to the town centre’s future.
“Because people buy more stuff online you’ve got to bring a different element in, things that are really original, that you wouldn’t be able to find in a big High Street shop,” she added.
“I think independent retail is the way Helensburgh should be going.”
Looks fabulous, will certainly be having a look