Boutique to close its doors after an ‘eclectic’ decade

Tuesday 24 December 2019

A fashion boutique that hoped to bring something a bit ‘eclectic’ to Jersey’s high street is closing its doors after ten years in the business.

‘Eclectic’ in Liberty Wharf has been hosting its last hurrah over the festive period by flogging its fashionable wares at a fraction of the price after taking the “tough decision” to shut up shop.

Express caught up with the brains behind the Wharf’s very own stylish wonderland, Nicole Smith, as she reflects on the boutique’s 10-year life...

What made you decide to close the shop?

“Eclectic started 10 years ago in the quest to offer something different from the high street. It was a nine-year commitment which we fulfilled and extended a further year. 

“Liberty Wharf was our chosen location, and in particular, our unit in which we were able to showcase our collections. My aim was to create a visual feast through visual merchandising which showcased our beautiful collections.”

How do you feel about closing the doors after a decade in the business?

“The business has achieved what it set out to do and more. Careful buying has provided customers with considered and beautiful collections with a focus on quality, sustainability and affordability. 

“We have loved serving locals and holidaymakers and offer a point of difference which is sadly lacking in most cities and Jersey is running the risk of mirroring.” 

Over the ten years that Eclectic has been going, what are your fondest memories of the shop?

“I have so many fond memories and we have had a lot of laughs along the way. When we started ten years ago I had five children at school. They all played their part in the shop, whether it was helping setting up displays, serving customers or accompanying me on buying trips. 

Pictured: The boutique are celebrating 10 years of business at the Wharf.

“Customers have seen my family grow up, just as I’ve seen theirs. Over time, I have gone from a family crew to a strong loyal Eclectic team, a team that is looking forward to new opportunities.” 

What were the biggest challenges? 

“The biggest challenge was initially the location. But after time and through word of mouth, our reputation spread. Social media helped. I started off persuading my daughters to throw on an item which I then popped on Facebook. 

“The response was phenomenal, so that helped enormously. On the flip side the shop was starting to gain a reputation for only being for the ‘young and skinny’ which couldn’t have been further from the truth.

Pictured: A shot from one of Eclectic's seasonal photoshoots.

“So I rallied up some customers from a wide demographic who’d become good friends who were only too pleased to model. Hence, our regular seasonal photo shoots were born. We used the talent of another friend and keen photographer to capture the lifestyle images we were after. The laid back images reflected the Jersey lifestyle so well and were a celebration of our lovely island.”

What’s next for you? 

“I am going on holiday, something I haven’t been able to do in January over the last ten years. Then who knows, maybe I’ll take a gap year!” 

The last official day of trade at ‘Eclectic’ is Christmas Eve before it decommissions. After that, most of the décor in the shop will also be for sale around 29 and 30 December.