Member Article

Growth for North Tyneside entrepreneurs

The forthcoming launch of new menswear shop Mitchell’s Menswear and an online store are the latest exciting steps for the Tyneside entrepreneurs behind Escape Boutique in Whitley Bay.

Husband and wife team Carl and Lisa Mitchell opened Escape in 2004 to provide an alternative to town for those looking for stylish and affordable ladies fashion.

Since then, the business has built a loyal following from local residents, as well as established itself as one of the key businesses on the successful Park View stretch, a popular destination for visitors to the area.

Now the pair will be opening the doors of a new menswear shop at the start of March, when a new website for both stores is also planned to go live.

Escape Boutique owner Lisa, who is a committee member for the Whitley Bay Chamber of Trade, said: “Escape has done extremely well and over the years we have gathered lots of customer feedback from our regular shoppers, which is one of the reasons we introduced a loyalty scheme as a thank you for their support.

“What was coming through loud and clear was that customers wanted an online portal so they could still buy stock if they couldn’t make it to the shop. We were also frequently being asked when the men’s ranges would follow suit so in light of this, we decided to go ahead with both projects.”

Carl continued: “Although we will be working together extremely closely, Lisa will continue to take the lead with Escape Boutique, while I will oversee Mitchell’s Menswear.

“The clothing ranges will be style-led, while the feel of Mitchell’s Menswear will very much be a masculine version of Escape. We’re working hard on making the interior as appealing, relaxed and friendly as possible and we’ll have great music playing in the background but without it interfering with the shopping experience so it’s enjoyable for all.”

Lisa concluded: “Whitley Bay has been a fantastic choice of location for Escape Boutique and we’re very confident that it will be just as successful for Mitchell’s Menswear too. It’s great to be part of a thriving and vibrant group of businesses who care about making the town the very best it can be.”

For more information or to be kept up to date with developments, please visit www.escapeboutique.co.uk and www.mitchellsmenswear.co.uk and subscribe to the newsletter.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sarah Waddington .