Weston women's new retro shop is a 'dream come true'

Two women with a passion for all things vintage have opened their own shop in Weston-super-Mare.

Louise Graham and Claire Palmer opened the doors to So Retro in Weston-super-Mare over the summer and say it is already proving a hit with the customers.

The shop which sells vintage items including clothes and accessories is on the High Street near the The Playhouse.

It is a dream come true for the friends who have been running a market stall in Jane Street and also selling their stock from Loves Cafe.

Louise, 30, said: "Claire and I are thrilled to have opened the shop.

"We have been looking to do this for a while and then this premises came up and we thought if we don't do it now, we never will."

Louise and Claire, who both grew up in Clevedon and went to Clevedon School, say that it would not have been possible without the help of the YMCA.

Louise said: "We really wouldn't have been able to do this without the help of the YMCA who own the premises, but they have been extremely supportive, particularly Rob Perry, who we would like to thank."

As well as selling retro clothes and handmade jewellery, the shop also features the work of local designers and students from Weston College, giving them the chance to showcase their work.

One student whose work is featuring in the shop is 18-year-old Georgie Stuart who is studying for a diploma in art and design.

Louise, who has two sons and a daughter, and Claire, who has a son, say So Retro is the only shop of its kind in the town.

"Louise added: "We have had a lot of positive feedback from people coming in to have a look and the turnover of stock has been really good.

"I have been collecting things for years that I really liked it and now it is so nice to be able to feature it in the shop to sell."