Katie McCowan and Lollipops Paris
1. What is your business?
Lollipops Paris opened the first UK boutique of the French brand in Liverpool in November 2007, since then the quirky fresh designs in handbags have become a must have for any fashion loving Liverpool lady! We are planning to open more stores all over the UK but chose Liverpool first as it is famous for being ahead in the UK fashion stakes.
2. Why did you start it?
I grew up in France and following a trip to visit my mother in Paris a couple of years ago I brought back a handbag from Lollipops and to my delight every woman commented on the uniqueness of the design. At the time I was running my own website design firm, and I decided to explore the possibility of retailing them in the UK. It started with an online presence while my business partners and I negotiated the UK rights to the brand and we are now planning a UK rollout of Lollipops Paris stores over the next 2 years.
3. What makes you unique?
Lollipops Paris offers a boutique style shopping experience, everything on sale has that wow factor, something a little bit individual enabling women to accessorise and personalise her own style without paying high end designer prices. Our prices range from £10 up to £140 there really is a Lollipops Paris accessory for every one.
4. What did you do before?
I have a web design company iPebble, which creates interactive websites for companies like Impact Models. We initially launched the Lollipops Paris brand in the UK via the online shop to test the brand in the UK, and now have our boutique in Clayton Square. It’s been a very exciting time as we have outperformed all of the European countries since opening in November, proof if it were needed that Liverpool women have a great sense of style and fashion.
5. What are your plans to make the most of Capital of Culture?
We have chosen Liverpool as our head office for this very French brand and plan to develop out from here, the Culture Year has given us the impetus to move the brand forward, outside of the traditional fashion houses of London, and we plan to make every well dressed woman feel fabulous with her Lollipops Paris handbag.
6. Do you have any tips?
Be clear on your brand, target audience and communicate it clearly in all channels.
www.lollipops.fr
Lollipops Paris
Clayton Square Liverpool 0151 7084909
