A new boutique which specialises in high quality designer clothing for men and women has opened its doors in Stirling’s historic Arcade.
JJ Boutique is run by Steven Singh – an expert in fashion with 32 years’ experience in the clothing industry who was keen to launch his first business venture in Stirling.
The store, which opened on Saturday March 1, sells a variety of clothes, accessories and footwear from European brands including stylish Spanish fashion label Desigual; Italy’s House of Cavani and Marta Du Chateau.
Steven named the boutique after his teenage sons Jayden and Justin and found the perfect premises at Units 19-21 in the 19th century, King Street Arcade.
It’s a bright and central space – close to Mimi’s restaurant and SRTD Vintage Clothing – with large windows which are perfect for displaying the outfits available.
Steven, who is passionate about clothing, is keen to help his customers find the ideal outfit for any occasion and offers a personal shopping experience for those who want it.
He says: “We sell a lot of European brands – the kind of items you’d see if you go shopping while on holiday in Spain, France or Germany.
“I particularly like the Desigual brand which is a Spanish fashion label – the clothes are very vibrant, and I love the happiness and the colours. It’s a range not many people carry, so it’s great for people to be able to buy it in Stirling now.
“We also stock British denim brand DML which has really comfortable clothing. I only work with certain labels and we’re a boutique which very much offers a personal shopping experience.
“I have extensive knowledge from my years working in the industry and I love sharing it with people and helping them find an outfit which is right for them.
“I can generally tell a person’s size from looking at them and I always measure their neck first. I also carry in-between sizes for women –for example, a size 13 in addition to the usual sizes 12 and 14 – and find that if you get the size right then clothes will last for longer. I’m also a great believer in quality over quantity.”
Steven began his career in the clothing industry 32 years ago, but even before that he was interested in clothes and sold goods at markets.
He says: “I started properly in the industry at age 16 but before that I used to sell clothes at markets on a weekend. When I was as young as eight, I can remember selling pyjamas at markets.
“I’ve always loved clothing and worked at markets all over the Central belt before getting a part-time job at a shop in Cowdenbeath.”
Steven spent most of his career working at Verve Clothing in Edinburgh’s Rose Street where he picked up scores of positive reviews and was a big hit with clients.
He says: “I loved the company I worked for and the customers but at age of 48, I decided I wanted to run my own shop.”
Steven, who lives in Edinburgh, was keen to open his business Stirling – a city he loves and which doesn’t have any shops selling the brands he stocks.
He says: “One of the reasons I chose Stirling is that I love the Highland Hotel and when I was staying there some years ago, it was the place where I found out my wife was pregnant with our older son Jayden who is now 17.
“So, it’s got happy memories for me and it’s a lucky place. I also love the city for its history and heritage and the Arcade is just beautiful – so it was a no brainer to come here.
“When I looked at the unit, it was clean, tidy and perfect. I just needed to put in my fixtures and fittings and get my stock organised and I was up and running.
“The boutique has a relaxed atmosphere and customers can get a tea, coffee or water and sit on the sofa and chat to me about what their outfit is for, how long they want to wear it for, what colours they like and so on – so I can help them find the right clothes.
“I want everyone to have the chance to dress well, feel good and see their confidence go through the roof. I’m very honest and a great confidence builder and I like to have fun and see people enjoy the experience of coming into my shop.
“So far, it’s going well – everybody has been lovely and I think the boutique is popular because it’s a new shop which Stirling doesn’t already have. There are no other places carrying the same brands as me.”
JJ Boutique, which has a wide range of women’s sizes (size 4 to size 22), is open from Monday to Wednesday between 9.30am and 5pm and Thursday to Saturday from 9.30am until 5.30pm.
On a Sunday, Steven generally opens from about 11.30pm until 3pm and is also available for private bookings and one to one consultations if people want time in the shop by themselves.
More details about the business can be found on JJ Boutique’s Facebook page and JJ Boutique’s Instagram page.
Great experience shopping at JJ Boutique
Steven very helpful and has a vast amount of experience in the industry.Very happy with our purchases and will definitely visit again
Used to frequent the Edinburgh shop stephen worked years ago. Great to see him again. Great clothes and a great experience shopping here.
Bit of a cliche but you go in as a customer and leave as a friend.