My Account
A perfect fit is not only the aim of new Intimate Apparel owner Louise Tunnicliffe for all her customers, it could also apply to her suitability to take the helm from Ruth Munro, who retired from the Warkworth lingerie business recently after 18 years.
Louise has spent the last eight years as a fitting specialist and agent for Intimo Lingerie, selling bras and underwear directly to individuals and groups. She decided to become involved in lingerie after attending Intimo events and being impressed with the products. She subsequently received professional training in how to measure women for the optimum fit.
When she saw that Intimate Apparel was for sale, Louise admits that she was immediately tempted, though hesitated a little over taking on a retail shop.
“But then I saw an ad saying they wanted help, so I applied for that and got the job. As soon as I started, I knew pretty much straight away it was the right opportunity for me,” she says.
Louise has no plans to make any radical changes to the shop, but she is planning to bring in some new lines.
“What we have already is a really good range of bras – from first bras for young girls to maternity, sports and strapless. Also a good range of briefs and nightwear, plus socks, tights and stockings.
However, I do want gradually to introduce a few other things from different suppliers, just to have a bit more variety and different designs,” she says. “Otherwise, I just want to carry on giving that same personal service, so customers always get good quality, well-fitting garments.”
And she points out that such service doesn’t mean higher prices. “If you’re coming in for a Triumph bra or Jockey briefs, say, then you’ll pay the same price here as in a big department store, plus have the convenience of shopping locally.”
Lingerie retailer is just the latest profession for Louise, who originally hails from East Yorkshire in the UK. In the past, she has studied accountancy, been a computer programmer and practiced as a trained massage therapist.
