A FASHION boutique which has set up shop at a former shoe store - previously the home of David Roberts Shoes of Distinction - has opened to customers.

Knightsbridge House Boutique on Gloddaeth street, Llandudno, conducted its grand opening on Saturday, November, 28.

Former owners of David Roberts Shoes, Mr Roberts' grandson Andrew and his wife Hilary, were invited and cut the ribbon. The shoe shop, which had connections to Harrods in London and remained in the same family since its opening in 1922, closed in 2018.

Maria Cabrera, owner of Knightsbridge House Boutique, said: "The store was busy throughout the day and I am thrilled to bits with all the kind comments that we have received.

"Customers were pleased with the variety of goods we have on offer.

North Wales Pioneer:

Window display at Knightsbridge House Boutique

"The first day of trading has completely superseded my expectations outperforming my original forecasts.

"As we all know times are hard especially with the pandemic but the support I have received over the weekend has been mind blowing and I am so grateful to everyone’s support."

Ms Cabrera, of Rhos on Sea, commented the building at Knightsbridge House has plenty of 'character'.

"Especially the shop front, which has a central curved glass display, is only one of five shop fronts like it in the UK," she added.

North Wales Pioneer:

The building has cost well in excess of £100,000 so far

More than £100,000 has spent on the building. Refurbishment work has been carried out by Bearmont Construction

Ms Cabrera said: "I wanted to bring a drab looking building back to its former glory particularly as the building had a lot of history over the last 96 years and having links to Harrods of London.

"The attractive shop front has been fully renovated and the marble features now have been completely restored."

Ms Cabrera, whose background is fashion and beauty, is focusing on opening the Llandudno store and launching the online store before expanding into other areas.

North Wales Pioneer:

Front of Knightsbridge House

She said: "Retail is almost going back to the old times as national retailers simply can’t afford the high rents and rates and there has been a massive swing to online.

"I think this is the right time for me as the market now presents an opportunity to bring life back into towns as people still like to shop for fashion and there seems to be a gap in the market around here.

"I hope what we have on offer provides an interest to not only customers locally but further afield.

Asked what it is like preparing a new store for opening during the pandemic, the fashion entrepreneur responded: "With great difficulty but been we have been absolutely determined to battle against the odds to bring hope and life back to the community. The town is on a general downer with everything that has happened with the effects of the pandemic."

Miss Cabrera intends to go live on her new online presence within the next two weeks but said orders, on her social media platform, have remained strong.