TGt Meets... Emma Savage

Describe your business in one sentence…

 

A boutique specialising in pre-owned designer clothes, shoes and accessories for men and women.

 

Where is home and why?

 

I live just outside of the city now, however Bath will always be home. Growing up here and living in the area all my life - it’s hard to imagine anywhere else being as ‘home’ to me as Bath!

 

Why do you think it is important to have a month celebrating Bath’s Independent Retailers?

 

I think our independent retailers should be celebrated all year round! They are the lifeblood of the city and part of what makes it unique and different to any other high street in the country. The energy, passion and dedication shared by Bath’s independent business owners is inspiring and it should be supported all year. 

 

What inspired you to set up your business in Bath?

 

Number 10 Kingsmead Square has been a secondhand clothes shop for 37 years and mum and I had shopped at The Frock Exchange (as it was previously named) for years prior to taking it over. Kingsmead Square particularly is the perfect spot for our business - a hidden gem, like many of the independent businesses tucked off the ‘beaten track’ and away from the hustle and bustle of the main high street.

 

What have been your key challenges and how have you overcome them?

 

Communicating to our customers what we do now has been a challenge since taking the business over 4 years ago. The shop previously stocked high street labels and vintage clothing for women however we now only stock high end designer labels for both men and women. Think Prada, Mulberry and Chanel - we wanted to create something truly unique to Bath’s existing retail offering. Most of our pieces are less than 5 years old and our customers regularly find the out-of-stock designer items they thought they’d lost forever!

 

What do you think attracts people to Bath?

 

The fact that its a World Heritage City and is also stunningly beautiful - that has to be mentioned here! Despite studying the landmarks and visiting the tourist destinations at school, I still never tire of the incredible architecture we as locals, no doubt take for granted. 

 

How do you like to spend your time off?

 

I like living outside of the city, at heart I am a bit of a country bumpkin! On Sundays I like taking the dog for long walks to Westonbirt Arboretum and cooking a big roast dinner. 

 

Where is your favourite place to eat in Bath?

 

Yum Yum Thai in Kingsmead Square is my favourite! Everything is cooked fresh, they use free range chicken and serve organic wines. It’s got a relaxed vibe, lovely staff and I could eat their Pad Thai until I exploded.

 

Your phone book must be full of business contacts, but who is the most famous person in there? 

 

Now that would be telling!

 

What has been your biggest achievement to date?

 

We won Best Independent Retailer in the South West at the Pure London ‘Best of British Independent Retailer Awards’ last year which was amazing. We met lots of incredible people as a result and were able to shout about Bath’s brilliant independent high street.

 

Describe Bath in 3 words

 

Special, vibrant, eclectic.