Young North East fashion entrepreneur expands business

The young North East entrepreneur behind online fashion brand, Pink Boutique has made her first foray into store retail with the launch of a new clearance outlet in the region.

25 year-old Alice Blackie, started Pink Boutique from her living room nearly two years ago while working three other jobs, and now employs nine staff members.

Alice, who graduated with a journalism degree from Sunderland University, is now launching a store on Chainbridge Industrial Estate near the Metrocentre.

She said: “I’m a great fan of outlet shopping and believe that every woman loves a bargain. Of course there is a lot of competition on the high street but hopefully this new concept - which combines an intimate boutique shopping experience with clearance prices - will go down well with the shopping savvy women of the North East.

“Our situation on Chainbridge Industrial Estate means that our lower overheads will enable us to keep our prices down and we’re virtually a stone’s throw away from the Metrocentre. We believe we can make Boutique Outlet a destination shop - a first stop for shoppers before heading to the full price high street stores. We’re very excited to see what the ladies of the North East think of it.”

Pink Boutique achieved £1m turnover in the first business year and has recently been shortlisted for WIN Awards for Best New Business, Best Use of Technology and Best Retail Business.

Alice has also made the finals of North East Young Woman Entrepreneur of the Year.

She added: “The company success has been a total whirlwind, and I still can’t quite believe I’m here. My family are all part of the business in some way or another – they have offered so much moral and practical support over the years and I couldn’t have done all of this without them. Everyone is excited for the new journey we’re about to embark on.”