A women’s clothing boutique in Darlington is celebrating its first year in business, despite numerous challenges along the way.

Betty’s Boudoir on Blackwellgate in the town opened in November 2021 and since then has built up a loyal customer base.

The first shop was opened in Sedgefield in 2018 and after experiencing success there, Lily Ho, owner of the business, knew it was time to expand.

Located in the Imperial Quarter of Darlington, the boutique sells clothing from sizes 8 to 26, along with shoes and accessories.

The Northern Echo: Lily Ho, owner of Betty's Boudoir in Darlington and Sedgefield Lily Ho, owner of Betty's Boudoir in Darlington and Sedgefield (Image: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest)

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Lily Ho said: “It’s been a good year, and we have beautiful things. We have seen things slow down a bit since the summer but overall, we’re happy with how things are going.

“Each piece in the shop has been selected by me or my mum because we believe it’s special so I’m really proud of what we’ve built. I think sometimes people walk past and assume our stuff is really expensive, but we're reasonably priced.

“The increase in business rates has been difficult though and it has left me worrying about the future.”

With the cost-of-living crisis, many small businesses are feeling the pinch as people tighten their belts during this extended winter of discontent.

The Northern Echo: The shop sells women's clothing and accessories ranging from sizes 8 to 26The shop sells women's clothing and accessories ranging from sizes 8 to 26 (Image: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest)

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Lily continued: “Most of our customers are returning customers which is great, but I think a lot of small businesses in this town are in the same boat right now. I think a lot of people are worried about the cost-of-living but so are small businesses.”

Having survived the height of the pandemic, Lily is determined that the current economic crisis will not be the end of her business and with help from her mother, Cheryl Grundy, she believes her business can overcome adversity.

The small and charming shop has provided something different for local shoppers by offering quirky items at reasonable prices, and Lily wants to continue this trend.

As many independent businesses in Darlington have shut up shop recently, including Phixx Coffee Lounge, Little Quaker Gin Distillery, Fenwick’s Butchers, and Taste of Budapest, it’s a reminder that by shopping locally we can ensure our town remains thriving.

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