Fiona Foster, 61, , two-and-a-half years ago and admits a tough start had her fearing for the future. However, a , and she is now even considering opening a second branch in nearby Leigh. By The Sea Vintage sells an eclectic range of clothing and Fiona has thanked the owners of neighbouring businesses on the street for helping bring extra customers to the area.
She said: “We had a good year last year, but have had a sticky few months this year but it is now picking up again. The weather has been a really major part of that, who wants to go out clothes shopping when it is so bad? “The election is coming up as well and people have less to spend but I believe the area has really helped us here, it is thriving. “It helps bring people through our doors and into the city centre.
“From that they then find us and even when people come into our store with Primark bags, it does help people. “We are quite happy here and we have a good position as well. It’s been two-and-a-half years and we are looking to elsewhere, somewhere in Leigh, but Southend does need shops around here like us.
“Southend also needs more varied stores, we want the competition. “But I am ambitious and I want something else.” Independent shop Books On Sea, also in Alexandra Street, as well as bar, and the Twelve Cocktails Bar, alongside other businesses have all been credited for bringing extra people to the road off Southend High Street.
Ms Foster added the store is managing well of late thanks to .