A new clothes store has opened in Nottingham city centre selling designer fashions from big brands such as Stone Island, Moncler and Nike. New, discontinued and pre-loved clothing fills the racks at Metro Fashion in Middle Pavement.
The shop stocks men’s, women’s and children’s wear at a fraction of the usual retail price. Jeans, jackets, sweatshirts, T-shirts and trainers can be found in the unit, which was previously Mint Duck before it moved around the corner to Bridlesmith Gate. Other brands include C.P. Company, Gucci, Prada, Burberry, Palm Angels and Adidas
Liam Stanhope, 30, from Nottingham, and Kieron Bavister, 23, from Grantham, are behind the venture. Kieron, who began by selling fashions online from his bedroom for two years, “bit the bullet” to open a shop in his hometown after teaming up with Liam.
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Liam, who has previously worked in retail management Lacoste and JD Sports, said: “We have been open in Grantham for three months – it’s something that everyone loves. Our plan was always to be in Nottingham but we have grown so quick and were given an opportunity to rent property so we snatched that.
“We want to be competitive against the big name shops and grow something that’s not a massive chain. I had a lot of connections over the last few years and built relationships to be able to get good prices. Everything is the below the usual retail price. We want to be at a price range that people can afford. Don’t get me wrong it’s still premium fashion.”
Discontinued Stone Island jeans that previously sold for £350 are now £120 to £130. New Nike Vapormax trainers are £140. A £900 Stone Island jacket is £350 and a £1,200 Moncler Maya puffer jacket costs £550.
“We are going to start sourcing directly from Italy. We are just testing the market here first. We want to add more stock and have three times the amount of trainers,” said Liam. There’s another side to Metro Fashion too with discreet trainer donations for anyone struggling financially.
“If people want to donate their old trainers, we keep them in a box and if someone comes in and has a quiet word with us, we will give them whatever we’ve got if we’ve got it in their size. No further talk about it. If they come in with their friends another time, nothing is mentioned. Anything donated does not go on the shop floor, so people won’t know they got them from.”
The shop also offers a deposit scheme. A 20 per cent deposit secures any item until the buyer has the money. “We are starting a sourcing service as well so if someone comes in wanting a specific item we will try and get it for them,” said Liam.
Businesses are also being offered the chance of a pop-up in the shop to help get their name out there. “I want us to grow but it’s all about promotion as well,” added Liam