Inspiring Fashion
Many would baulk at the idea of opening a new shop with little to no notice. But for Suzanne Talbot, her experience and knowledge of the local retail sector in Timaru saw her dive in headfirst, opening the doors of her second clothing store, Inspired on Stafford, within a month of the opportunity presenting itself.
Having taken over the reins at well-known Timaru store Fashion Focus two and a half years ago, Suzanne Talbot has built on the success of the store, taking it to new heights. A destination for those seeking beautiful, functional clothing and considerate, friendly customer service, Fashion Focus has been a breeding ground for ideas for Suzanne. ‘Our aim is always to listen to our customers and work with them to find the perfect piece or outfit,’ she explains. ‘Be it for a special occasion or just day-to-day wear.’
This collaborative approach with her clients has seen Suzanne adjust her ranges to meet their needs. ‘For example, we had a lot of people asking for three-quarter sleeves and collars,’ she says, ‘so I went out and found some options.’ All without a compromise on quality.
With growing success comes the desire to grow the business, and with a young family the decision was made to expand close to home to help ease ‘the juggle’. So when a storefront presented itself on Timaru’s main street Suzanne leapt at the opportunity. ‘ Inspired on Stafford started as a pop-up store, but quickly became a permanent fixture,’ she laughs. ‘It was busy and stressful, but fun. We had run out of room at Fashion Focus for everything we wanted to offer so it is great to have a second outlet to try different collections, and provide more scope for our clients.’
Operating two retail stores within the one town has ensured the new store has its own unique offering. ‘Inspired on Stafford offers a slightly more fashion forward range,’ explains Suzanne. ‘It is filled with beautiful, lush fabrics and high-end designs. There is everything from the classic white shirt to striking pieces that are almost more art than fashion.’
But beyond that it expands on Suzanne’s desire to provide beautiful pieces of clothing in all sizes. While not a plus size store, Suzanne’s experience with Fashion Focus identified a gap in the market for a range of sizes. ‘Part of the experience of shopping with us is that we want it to be fun, to be enjoyable. Which means ensuring we have sizes for every body shape and size.’
Like its sister store, Inspired on Stafford also boasts clothing sourced from brands with a conscience – socially and sustainably. Each piece is carefully selected by Suzanne herself. ‘I work with brands and reps that I can trust, and I tend to see and touch every fabric before I decide to buy it,’ she shares.
A shopper herself, Suzanne has been passionate about creating an atmosphere in her stores where customers feel comfortable – and has achieved exactly that. The next time you are in search of that something different, special or unique, Suzanne has you covered.
