Horsham store recognised as one of UK’s top independent fashion boutiques

A Horsham store has been recognised as one of the top independent fashion boutiques in the UK.
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La Vida Boutique has been listed as one of the Top 100 Inspiring Independent Fashion Boutiques.

Awarded by Drapers, the accolade recognises how individual boutiques have risen to the challenge during the coronavirus crisis; creatively adapting their business to continue serving their customers, support their local communities, and succeed during the pandemic.

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For Donna Camera, owner of La Vida Boutique in Stan’s Way, Horsham, the key was to always be looking one step ahead.

Donna at La Vida Boutique. Photo: Toby Phillips PhotographyDonna at La Vida Boutique. Photo: Toby Phillips Photography
Donna at La Vida Boutique. Photo: Toby Phillips Photography

She said: “We closed our doors to the public a week before lockdown and I worked continuously to transfer my shop to my studio at home and expand our online store offering.

“I already had a wide selection of face masks in stock, and working closely with Horsham’s social media expert at ByJove Media, I greatly increased La Vida’s social media presence.

“We stayed very much ‘out there’ for everyone to see with Facebook and Instagram posts every day and live shopping on both; so La Vida Boutique was open for business online.”

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Part of Donna’s changes also included switching to mainly UK suppliers.

La Vida has always supported and stocked local, international and UK brands, to create their range of affordable, stylish and beautifully made garments; but Donna found ‘the worldwide lockdown meant that our usual suppliers from Italy and further afield were unable to produce. It was the UK’s independent family businesses, such as myself, that continued to supply us with some stunningly unique garments’.

Donna added: “I really think that in the UK, the community of small businesses working together is our strength. We all support each other and in Horsham this is stronger than ever.”

During lockdown, La Vida partnered with the Horsham Wine Cellar and Panino’s to run a local competition to lift people’s spirits.

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And, now that the La Vida shop is open again, she regularly directs their customers to Tristan’s, Pretty Things or Carmela’s to grab a coffee and relax, so that any in store customers can leave, before the next appointment enters.

Making people feel special is the ethos behind La Vida Boutique, and the creation of their weekly uplifting Facebook show reel has really helped Donna to stay in contact with her customers. With appointments now available both online and in store, Donna firmly believes that: “It is my customers that have inspired me to keep going and find new ways of bringing the boutique to them this year.”

She has carried on the interaction that she enjoys so much with her clients through the show reels, and is delighted that their bookable one to one appointments, is once again allowing her to have the face to face time with her customers.

However, Donna is very quick to point out that the recognition she and La Vida Boutique has received must also be shared with her husband and two children; who have formed her packing, delivery, photographic and film crew for the past months. And, she would also: “Like to thank all of my customers, clients and supporters for all the encouragement and love I have had, it has been overwhelming. This month La Vida is celebrating its 21st Birthday as a Horsham retailer, and this achievement is the icing on the Birthday cake for me! What an amazing town to be part of, and I thank everyone who has helped make this possible from the bottom of my heart.”

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La Vida is open on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 11am to 2pm and Saturdays 10am to 4pm. To book an appointment go to www.lavidaboutique.co.uk , email [email protected] or call 01403 259222.

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