A vintage luxury clothing and party wear shop has opened on Gorleston High Street.
House of Vintage offers clothing by brands such as DKNY, Karen Millen and Hugo Boss to help people get into the party spirit.
For co-owner Caroline Coleman, the shop is a bit of a change from her former career in recruitment. But it is the expansion of a passion project she has had running for several years.
Caroline Coleman, inside House of Vintage. Picture - House of Vintage (Image: House of Vintage)Opening at the end of September, House of Vintage is the evolution of Mrs Coleman's former unit inside the Aladdin's Cave antiques shop in Norwich.
"I wanted to be my own boss and provide something people in Gorleston would really like," she said.
"The start is always difficult for new businesses. But we're only in our tenth week and we're seeing customers returning."
Inside House of Vintage. Picture - House of Vintage (Image: House of Vintage)In October, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed retail sales volumes dipped to their lowest since February 2021, when Covid-19 restrictions were still in place.
While Mrs Coleman acknowledged the low performance of the market due to the cost of living crisis, she said she remained "quietly optimistic".
"We tend to have a really good week and then a poor week," Mrs Coleman said.
"But I'm hoping we can ride it out. Christmas is just around the corner, and people still enjoy dressing up for parties and events. Luxury party wear at affordable prices has a lot of appeal in the current climate."
Rising energy bills and changes in the retail and beauty sectors have led to changes along the High Street, with well-established businesses Fusion Hiar Consultants, Boots and Wilko all closing recently.
Fusion Hair Consultants closed in October after being a mainstay on the High Street for 25 years. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)However, Mrs Coleman said the support from other independent businesses in the area gives her hope for a bounce back.
"It is brilliant to be here on the High Street," she said.
"There is a real community atmosphere between the retailers. We all want each other to succeed."
House of Vintage on Gorleston High Street. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)House of Vintage is open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm.
For more information, visit House of Vintage on Facebook.