A LEES store is proving a hit as it provides something missing from the online world – the chance to try things on.
Marketplaces like Vinted, Depop, and Shpock may be Gen Z’s go-to for second hand shopping, but they miss the magic of an immersive, try-it-on experience.
But the Velvet Hanger is bringing pre-loved back to the high street, keeping it old school with a modern twist.
The independent dress agency – opened in September 2023 by friends Nikki Lees, a podiatrist, and beautician Clair Rogers – has quickly become a local favourite, bringing sustainable fashion with a luxurious, personal touch.
And the inspiration for the name was obvious.
“What a brilliant time to bring sustainable fashion back with somewhere you can try it on in a nice environment as well – a nice shop,” said Clair.
@ggc_media 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗩𝗲𝗹𝘃𝗲𝘁 𝗛𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿: ‘𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗼𝘄 𝗶𝗻 𝗟𝗲𝗲𝘀’ A Lees store is proving a hit as it provides something missing from the online world – the chance to try things on. Marketplaces like Vinted, Depop, and Shpock may be Gen Z’s go-to for second hand shopping, but they miss the magic of an immersive, try-it-on experience. But the Velvet Hanger is bringing pre-loved back to the high street, keeping it old school with a modern twist. Read more: https://saddind.co.uk/the-velvet-hanger-the-best-window-in-lees/ #saddleworth #lees #upcycle #clothinghacks
“The aim was to offer women in Lees and Saddleworth stylish options without the need to travel into Manchester for weddings, garden parties or Christenings.
“And when you’ve got a velvet hanger at home, you put all your best clothes on it. “It’s just that more luxury.”
The shop, on Lees’ High Street, reflects this ethos, stocking everything from everyday wear to luxury women’s attire, including shoes, handbags, accessories, wedding hats and heels.
Brands range from high-end high street brands such as Zara, Whistles and Mint Velvet to designer labels including Prada, Balmain, Gucci and Mulberry.
Prices start from £5–£10 and go up to around £300, with some luxury items available for less than half their original price.
At its core, The Velvet Hanger champions sustainability. Clothes and accessories that could have gone to landfill are given a second life, with stock changing every eight weeks to keep things fresh and each purchase is split 50/50 with the private seller and the shop.
“It changes quickly, so it keeps people interested,” Nikki says.
Already The Velvet Hanger has become a talking point, thanks to its window display, featuring four mannequins facing the main road.
“Everyone says we’ve got the best window in Lees,” Clair laughed.
Community is central to the business. A recent raffle of a Mulberry bag raised money for the Alzheimer’s Society and a Prada bag raffle is currently running until the end of February.
The Velvet Hanger also hosts fashion shows, with one held in Diggle last October and another planned for May.
Open Wednesday to Saturday, all information on the raffle and upcoming events can be found on Instagram and Facebook.
The Velvet Hanger can be found at https://www.facebook.com/p/The-velvet-hanger-61550258547746/ and https://www.instagram.com/thevelvethanger_lees/.
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