Bridal Beginnings Anne’s retail story began more than three decades ago when she opened her first business – a bridal shop. “I took over Michelle’s in Brook Street. It was a bridal shop with a bit of fashion,” she recalls. Anne soon discovered that her true calling wasn’t in bridalwear. “I just preferred the fashion side,” she smiles. “It allowed me to connect more with people daily, to understand their needs, and offer them something unique.” That instinctive connection with people became the cornerstone of Fashion Flair and remains its greatest asset to this day. Making the Move After 15 successful years on Brook Street, Anne relocated to Kingsgate Street 21 years ago. The move marked a new chapter and a bigger challenge. Over the years, as the economy fluctuated and local shopping habits changed, Anne’s shop remained a haven for loyal customers. It wasn’t just about selling clothes; it was about trust, service and a sense of community. “I’m here six days a week and I give my customers personal attention,” says Anne. “You can’t run a business well if you aren’t in it. “I make sure all my stock is the best quality, and I always clear out of my stock most years and then bring in the new stock.” Anne’s attention to detail, her dedication to sourcing quality fashion, and her commitment to service have earned her a loyal customer base that extends far beyond Coleraine. “I have found that many of my customers become friends. I have customers shopping with me from Belfast, Donegal, Moira, you name it, people come to me. I always make sure I look after
my customers and give them discount.” Despite the size of her boutique, it’s packed with stock and surprises. “I know I’m a small shop, but shoppers say to me, ‘Anne, it’s a wee hidden gem.’ People don’t realise the stock I have, because I carry a lot of stock in the store. “I think people look at the shop from outside and make assumptions. They think that’s a small shop and there won’t be much inside. “When it comes to my stock of winter coats, you won’t get better in Northern Ireland. You name it, I have it – If you are looking for a good winter coat, this is the place to come.” Through the Decades Anne has seen it all, from retail booms to business downturns. “I’ve seen some changes in the last 36 years,” she reflects. “So many shops have come and gone – the likes of Simpson and Hills, Smyths, McCandless and Hill Brothers. There have been so many changes in fashion as well.” But her biggest concern is for independent retailers like herself – the ones that hold the high street together. “I don’t think enough is done to help the smaller retailer. It seems that local bodies are too busy looking after the multinationals when it is the small, independent businesses that need the help. Small businesses are the backbone of our towns, but we often get overlooked.” While other businesses shifted online, Anne stayed true to the bricks-and-mortar model. “Online hit a lot of people, but I didn’t go down that route. You need too much stock, and you need to have a life as well. When I go home from work at night, that’s me closed off. I don’t think about
it until the next morning.” Her wish for the future? More independent shops, more individuality. “It would be wonderful to see a lot more wee individual shops open up in the town,” she says. “People are starting to crave that personal touch again, and we need to support those who take the leap – even if they were offered a year free from rates just to get them on their feet.” Looking Ahead Many of her friends ask her about retirement. But Anne, ever full of energy, has no plans to slow down. “What would I do with myself?” she laughs. “This shop, my customers – they’re part of who I am.” Anne’s faith and gratitude shine through in every word. “I thank God every day for giving me the strength to keep going,” she says. “God has been good to me. He has given me health to work, and although I’ve had my problems, God has brought me through them all. I love what I do, and as long as I’m able, I’ll keep doing it.” In a digital age dominated by convenience and speed, Fashion Flair – and Anne Swann – stand as a reminder that great service, a warm welcome, and a personal touch never go out of style.
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