Facing challenges, Victoria Mutch aims to rejuvenate her clothing boutique in a new location.
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In a daring move to save her struggling clothing boutique, Victoria Mutch has relocated her shop, Style For Your Shape, from Schoolhill to the bustling Trinity Centre in Aberdeen. This decision comes after a significant decline in foot traffic and sales, attributed to controversial traffic changes implemented in 2023.
Challenges faced by local businesses
Victoria opened her Schoolhill store in 2022 and initially experienced success. However, the recent traffic alterations led to a noticeable drop in customer visits, prompting her to consider the future viability of her business. “The business needed to move because we had seen such a decline in the past year that I really didn’t know if we would be able to survive at that location,” she explained.
After months of deliberation, she made the difficult decision to transition to the Trinity Centre.
New beginnings at Trinity Centre
The Trinity Centre has recently welcomed a wave of independent businesses, creating a vibrant atmosphere that Victoria hopes will attract more customers. “It’s really exciting that the centre is supporting local businesses, and we hope the public will see that as an appeal to come in and check us out,” she stated. The move has not only provided her with a fresh start but also a chance to collaborate with other local entrepreneurs, such as Katsize Lingerie, who have also set up shop in the former Debenhams space.
Advocating for change in the city
Victoria has been an outspoken critic of the traffic changes that have adversely affected local businesses. She actively supported The P&J’s Common Sense Compromise campaign, which seeks to amend the controversial bus gate system. In her efforts to raise awareness, she reached out to all 45 Aberdeen councillors, sharing her business’s struggles. Unfortunately, only a handful responded, leaving her feeling unheard. “The councillors don’t realize the personal challenges facing business owners. We never switch off from business,” she lamented.
A hopeful outlook for the future
Despite the challenges, Victoria is optimistic about her new location. The Trinity Centre’s management, led by Kenny Bruce, emphasizes their commitment to supporting local businesses. “We can be that incubator for small businesses who want to regenerate and re-platform themselves,” he said. As Victoria prepares for her grand opening this weekend, she reflects on her journey and the importance of perseverance. “This is our second chance in the city centre. I am really passionate about the city centre, and I want it to succeed,” she shared. With renewed hope, Victoria is ready to embrace this new chapter for Style For Your Shape.
