Bouji Store aims to set a new clothing trend in Wellington

Bouji Store, which specialises in young and trendy clothing for the under 45 age group as well as children, has received a Pride in Our High Street start-up grant to move into a new home on Crown Street.

Owner Karissa Hughes has been testing her products online for the past year and as her business has grown she needs a permanent high street base.

The shop is a nicely-styled unit which has a double frontage and plenty of internal space to display the clothing.

Bouji Store, is open Monday to Saturday (10am-5pm), and is aiming to draw young people into Wellington to see the trendy clothing on offer.

Karissa has built the business up from scratch and researched into what clothing outlets are currently available in Wellington before applying for the start-up grant.

She will continue to sell goods online for people who live out of the area and is hoping to take on a part-time member of staff.

Karissa said: “I feel that my business is bringing something unique to Wellington – a modern, trendy clothing vibe as well as a wide range of children’s clothes, shoes and other accessories.

“Currently there isn’t a business like it in Wellington so I’m hoping this will bring a different kind of footfall to the high street.

“I’m really grateful to Telford & Wrekin Council because the start-up grant has enabled me to set up a permanent base on the high street.

“I’m also really pleased that I’ve been able to move into the shop before Christmas which is a peak time for trade.”

Business start-up grants are one of a number of grants which are available to businesses through the Pride in Our High Street programme.

Councillor Lee Carter, Telford & Wrekin Council Leader, said: “We’re pleased to support this business with a start-up grant so it can set up and establish itself in Wellington.

“Bouji Store definitely brings something different to Wellington and drawing in more customers from different age groups can definitely benefit the wider Wellington economy by bringing increased footfall to the high street.

“We wish Karissa all the best in her new unit and look forward to seeing the business grow further.”