
Just Ballet 2016
For my first indie retailer article of the year, I had a chat with the owner of the new shop I spotted opening in Hill Street late last year. I noted the name and found “Just Ballet” online, via Facebook and Twitter. I had a brief twitter chat for #fenshour (see my website for more!) and then popped in to say hello. It was lovely to meet Sheila and hear her enthusiasm for the town as well as her business.
“Just Ballet” opened a shop in Southend 3 years ago after starting online. It was created to meet Sheila’s own need to find good quality ballet costumes and shoes without going to London (She has been dancing since she was 12 and is taking her latest qualifications here in Wisbech). When Sheila and her family started planning a more rural lifestyle, they decided to also search for a second shop location to meet their customers’ needs, as many travelled a long way to Southend.
I think it’s interesting that Sheila decided on Wisbech – describing its location as ideal for her business – as it used to be considered isolated (though central to the fenland villages it serves). Sheila also says it’s a good place to live, describing the town as “affordable and pretty!” and has so far enjoyed Peckover House and the Museum, and is looking forward to visiting Elgood’s! I have invited her to join the local business women’s networking group, The Penelope Club, and will make sure we tell her about all the other hidden gems Wisbech has to offer.
The website (justballet.co.uk) has a comprehensive catalog, and the shops are full of the beautiful stock as well as having a shoe fitting service. I was interested to hear that many costumes are made to order and that the Hill Street store will be developed to have the costume making facilities there.
I think it is wonderful to see such a shop set up here. They have a loyal following of customers as they have items that are not available elsewhere and they obviously “know their stuff”. Bringing those customers to our town means more people will see what Wisbech has to offer.
See RedBarnCreative.org for the full interview and for details on beginner’s craft classes and The Penelope Club.