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Carol Sommerville, owner of Main Street fashion store in Orewa, knows what it takes to create an enjoyable shopping experience where customers chat as they try on items, and get useful advice and suggestions from staff.
Having worked in the fashion industry for more than 10 years – most recently as owner of Sole Survivor in Albany – Carol selects quality labels from Europe, Australia and New Zealand for Main Street and says she is always on the lookout for something new.
Her focus is on a range of women’s wear and accessories that is suitable for everyday wear, or for special occasions.
She loves encouraging customers, which she says are generally women aged 30 and over, to try new and different things. “We can get narrow in our view of what we can wear and what suits us, but I like to show people other ideas, without any pressure,” Carol says. “The key is to find something that makes you feel good. It can be like the Rover’s Return in here, but without the bickering! A very sociable shopping experience.”
As well as a wide range of women’s fashion, Main Street also has accessories including scarves, bags and jewellery.
Carol, who says her own wardrobe is not large, says fashion is about finding out what works for you. She loves European fabrics and design and is developing a passion for shoes – particularly if they are bright and colourful or different in some way, to add ‘the wow factor’ to what you are wearing.
Main Street is in the premises vacated by Cobblestones Fashion. Carol says she is proud to carry on the legacy of Cobblestones, which was in Orewa for nearly 40 years. She admires the achievements of owner Vera Biesebruk who had to close Cobblestones due to illness. “Vera would have loved to thank all her customers for their support,” Carol says.
“I want to carry on that sense of being part of the community,” Carol says. “People want to stay in Orewa to shop and it’s important to have as much choice as possible here.”
