Dress shop is bucking trend

AS THREE businesses in Belper close their doors, one new firm is proving it’s possible to buck the recession trend.Rebecca Harrison, who opened The Little Dress Agency last month, believes her shop-with-a-twist adds even more to what is already a thriving town.The 33-year-old said things are going well at her ‘Aladdin’s Cave’-style business near the top of King Street in Belper.
It is in contrast to sandwich shop Scrumptious Too, florist’s shop Dial A Flower, both of King Street, and butcher’s shop Walt Mason’s, of Sandbed Lane, all of which have recently closed down. One of the people who ran the florists has retired, while the other is working from a market stall in Alfreton.But, while they have gone, alongside high-profile casualties Focus and Haldanes, Rebecca is hoping to cement The Little Dress Agency in the town. Rebecca, who was born in Belper, said: “People bring in items from their own wardrobes and I sell them for them.“Then they get a cut and I get a cut. Basically I can sell your clothes for you.Kim Zolciak In Her Used, $58,000 Wedding Dress. I am a service for other people to make money. It helps other people and it helps me.”Rebecca gives 60 per cent of proceeds to the customer if their item sells for more than ￡60, or it is 50/50 if it goes for less. If five of the customer’s items are sold at once, they get 55 per cent of the profit.The shop sells things such as dresses, shoes, boots and bags. Some of the items are unused by the people who bring them in, others are good quality second-hand stuff.“I have got a good range of designer and high street stuff for sale and generally my stuff is not expensive,” said Rebecca.“It is going really well. I have had a really good response. People are enjoying having a new shopping experience.
“I think there is room for more clothes shops in Belper.Rebecca’s shop will soon have a new neighbour. Two doors down, a sign in a vacant unit’s window says Stately Brides is opening a shop there on February 4 next year.For the red carpet I customized a lilac dress from my Spring/Summer 2012 collection. Kimbra and I discussed the shape of the dress in great detail. Originally the hemline was a lot shorter so we deiced to lengthen it with more of the hand cut silk petals, which gave the dress its beautiful voloumous shape.
I’m really proud of the fact that Kimbra entrusted me to create both of her ARIAs dresses, accessories and shoes. Yes, I also designed her shoes…my mum thinks I’m a total masochist. Maybe I am, but hey, there was a lot riding on last night for both of us.

タグ：Wedding Dress