ALL the stops were pulled out to ensure Northwich’s White Ribbon Boutique was ready for customers keen to buy a new outfit in preparation for the days they can enjoy socialising again.

Stepping through the doors of this stylish independent clothes shop on the first day that non-essential retail premises were allowed to reopen, it’s hard to believe that less than a week ago it contained no stock and builders were busy revamping the flood-struck premises.

“We had nothing in here last week, so it’s been a massive, quick turnaround,” said Louise Ridgway, sales assistant at the High Street boutique.

“We had builders doing the new ground floor last Wednesday. They’ve done a great job in super quick time, the shop looks lovely and we are so glad to be open, we can’t wait to welcome our customers back again.

“We are hoping, and we do think, that retail is going to come back with a bang. People still love to come out and shop, they’ve been waiting for so long, the appetite is there. People like to see and get a feel for clothes before they buy them, so we’re optimistic that they will want to come and shop with us.

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“Obviously, we have put all of our Covid-19 security procedures in place at fixed points in the shop, and we ask customers to wear masks, and we will have our visors or masks on, to ensure everyone is protected.

“We are really happy to be back and eager to get out there and sell, and we hope everyone comes into Northwich and really gets behind the town. We have to help each other in our community and the town needs people to support it.”

Many returning customers will be happy to see Louise, who has worked at the shop since it opened almost seven years ago, but may also recognise some familiar faces as she will be joined by two new colleagues who formerly worked in Bratts, which sadly announced its closure last week.

And for those wondering how the business may have developed since it was last open, the news is that for the season ahead it is all about occasion wear.

“We were very fortunate in that we have an online presence, and were able to build up our client base massively in lockdown, which went really well for us,” said Louise.

“So, what we are trying to do in the shop is go down the route of more sized pieces, rather than one-size, and lots of occasional wear.

“Obviously, people haven’t been able to go to weddings, christenings or those sorts of events and we think there will be an appetite for wanting to get really dressed up so we’re planning to cater to that.”

Reflecting on the first day back in business, Louise added: “We just want everyone to know that we still believe in the town that our business was born in – Northwich.”

For regular live fashion updates from the store, follow White Ribbon Boutique on Facebook.