Diane Cooke meets a former teacher who is now indulging her passion for pre-loved clothing in a town centre boutique

A FORMER primary school teacher has opened a stylish pre-loved boutique in Blackburn centre offering designer women’s and girls’ wear at knock-down prices.

Shona Davis, 41, from Darwen, decided to change her career after working at St John and St Augustine’s School in Accrington for 20 years.

“I fell out with teaching when I got ill because the pressure and workload, whilst trying to balance a family and a husband who works away, became too much. It was time to try something different.”

So Shona ploughed her severance money into the store at Fleming Square, next to Exchange Coffee, and launched Wardrobe just over a month ago. It’s a dress agency where customers can sell their good-quality clothes and split the proceeds 50-50.

Shona says: “I love fashion of all kinds and I’ve always been attracted to second-hand designer labels. When I was ill, I was looking at ways to earn a living and it suddenly occurred to me that I could combine my love of fashion with a business.”

Wardrobe’s stock is constantly changing as items are kept for four weeks only.

Labels include Jaeger, Planet, Phase Eight, Karen Millen and Diesel and for trendy kids she has Pamplina,Ted Baker and DKNY.

Shona stocks clothing, jewellery, shoes and accessories.

When customers bring items of clothing for sale, she checks that they are top-quality and in pristine condition before discussing a purchase price. And prices are kept very low.

A purple evening embellished shift dress from Next was £10, almost new Kurt Geiger heels were £35, evening and day tops – including a fabulous floaty Planet blouse for £10 – were going for as little as £6. “I’ve asked customers for feedback on my range and prices and they’re in agreement that it’s all well-priced, which is important at this time of economic hardship,” Shona adds.

“Business was a little slow at the beginning but word is getting around now and people are bringing in fantastic items every day. I’ve not had to turn anything away.”

So with Christmas parties on the horizon and cash being scarce, a trip to Wardrobe maybe the stylish solution.