Creating a buzz (From The Northern Echo)

Creating a buzz

5:50pm Monday 12th December 2011 in Lifestyle

The switch from electrics to fashion has been quite a challenge for a new shop owner, he tells Sarah Willcocks.

RIGGING up trendy lights in his new designer menswear store, Vault Clothing, in Barnard Castle, was a doddle for owner Philip Teasdale.

The former sparky, from nearby Cockfield, took over his father’s electrical firm 35 years ago, but this year he decided he wanted a change.

“For the first time in a long time I enjoy getting up in the morning and going to work,” says Philip. “It’s less stressful than electrical work and it’s great to have that buzz again.”

Since opening last month, Philip’s thoughts have turned from volts to Vault and fashion and catwalks. “It’s been a real learning curve,”

he says. “I got a lot of advice from the buyers and manufacturers. They told me what sells and what doesn’t, and what the fashion is going to be for the coming season.

“Cuff-bottom chinos are making a comeback and espadrilles will be big next spring and summer. Denim is also in,” he says. “I found out the buyers were spot-on last weekend when I was up in Newcastle for a stag party. Everyone in the city was wearing this stuff.”

With popular labels such as French Connection, Voi Jeans, Superdry, Beck and Hersey, Bench and Jack Jones in good supply, Philip’s son Joel should be more than happy with his father’s new direction. “Joel gave me the idea for a designer menswear shop in Barnard Castle.

He used to have to go to Middlesbrough for his clothes and often complained there was no where nearer.”

The retail unit, which stood empty for four and a half years, has had an overhaul. The black and chrome design gives it a part-night club, part-industrial look sure to inspire customers looking for something to wear on a night out.

“I’m over the moon with the way the shop looks,” says Philip. “I’m so grateful to Barnard Castle Vision. They were really helpful and sorted out a grant for improving the premises.” Having re-wired, painted the unit, and rigged up the spotlight cable, Philip says the biggest challenge was getting in with the manufacturers.

“They have strict terms and conditions.

Often they want you to have been trading for six to 12 months before they will deal with you.

Some inspect the shop to ensure it’s up to their standards. And others won’t deal with you at all if you are already trading with their rivals.”

Philip has chosen gilets, windcheaters, coats, hats and scarves for winter stock and plenty of T-shirts, which always sell. “French Connection and Superdry are very in at the moment,” he says. “I’ve tried to cater for all age groups.

Bench is a favourite for children and starts from five years. We stock Beck and Hersey in two ranges – the black label is for the younger ones and the red label is aimed at an older market with its cleaner cut and finer stitching detail.”

At the moment, he is launching a website to accompany the shop. His only concern is stock control, as all orders will be sent direct from his store. Getting used to the occasional quiet day is also a revelation. “It can be a long day.

But you have to look at the bigger picture. Last Friday it was quiet all day, but in the two hours before closing we took £900. When I went to Manchester to meet the suppliers they said ‘you couldn’t have picked a worse time to open a shop. But if you survive the first year, you’re laughing’.”

• Vault Clothing, 20A Galgate, Barnard Castle, County Durham DL12 8BG. Tel: 01833-630112