POPULAR FASHION IN THE SHADOW OF GOREY CASTLE
Hardly a day goes by without news of another High Street shop or retailer closing down. So, it is heartening to wander down Gorey Pier and find an attractive fashion outlet that is continuing to thrive after nearly forty years. Not only that, but the owners are optimistic to see it remain successful for another forty years.
By Sarah Hill, Editor, 20/20 magazine
So, what is the secret behind the success of The Old Sail Loft Boutique, which has been in business in the shadow of Mont Orgueil since 1982?
Family may have something to do with it, as The Old Sail Loft has become a mother and daughter enterprise selling very similar quality french brands that French-born Brigitte opened the shop with all those years ago. Brigitte, who was brought up in the Champagne region of France, came to the Island just to improve her English but, as fate would have it, ended up with a husband, Michael Beard. He ran the boatyard and the chandlery on Gorey Pier, and Brigitte looked after the shop on the first floor in The Loft selling the traditional Guernsey/Jersey sweaters. The Yachtsman were kept very happy being provided with Sowesters waterproof jackets and their wellies! A couple of years later the shop expanded and The Loft transformed into
Page 90 20/20 - Island Life The Upstairs Boutique.
The boutique was an almost immediate success because of Brigitte's eye for quality fashion with a touch of difference to it, leading to two much-loved brands, which still form the backbone of the business. The ageless attractions of Barbour country wear, appealed to locals as well as visitors, as did the colourful, vibrant sweaters and accessories of the historic Saint James brand; which originated from the 11th century village created by William the Conqueror near Mont Saint-Michel but is still hugely popular, particularly in France.
This was what first brought shoppers to The Old Sail Loft Boutique, and it was the large number of French day trippers arriving from nearby Carteret and Portbail that gave the business a flying start. They had a keen eye for quality, and coach loads of French tourists used to flock to The Old Sail Loft looking for
their sweaters or Saint James fashion.
Brigitte’s daughter, Stéphanie Burton, who now runs the shop, said there are less French day trippers now, and the price differential is not so great, but French visitors still regularly buy their Saint James items from The Old Sail Loft. It remains slightly cheaper, and the Gorey boutique always has a good selection on display.
The success of the business meant that they took the decision to recreate the shop only just a few yards further down the pier, due to the sadness of the old premises being auctioned off. Brigitte completely refurbished the new premises about five years ago, creating the same nautical characteristics as the original shop making it an attractive shopping experience. Stéphanie also took a fashion and textiles degree, and worked ten years in retail as manager of Jersey Silver before joining the
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116
