Children's clothing boutique opens doors

A lifelong dream to open her own business has led an enterprising mum of four to launch a children’s clothing boutique in Shifnal. 

Negotiations to secure the lease on the store, which is located in the popular Parade Shopping area, were handled by Andy Ward in FBC Manby Bowdler’s commercial property team.

Little Buttons Boutique has been launched by Leah Ellington who has long held a desire to follow in her father’s footsteps by launching her own business and building it from a small investment into a successful enterprise. 

Initially considering a furniture business, Leah’s focus shifted after her third child when she felt disappointed in the availability of stylish clothing for children and believed other parents would feel the same. 

Having lived in and around Shropshire all her life, she was confident of locating her new venture in Shifnal. 

“I love the sense of community in Shifnal and I knew once I’d decided to launch Little Buttons that it was this kind of environment I wanted to be based in.  The local independent business owners and wider community have all been really welcoming and are excited for something new to join the Shifnal scene.

“The Parade offers such a special and unique shopping experience and the shop I chose offered a blank canvas from which I could make Little Buttons a reality.

“As soon as the decision to move forward was made, it was all systems go!  However, with my fourth child making an early appearance, I worked closely with Katrina Sivill to manage the hands-on aspects of the transformation.  I am delighted with the results she’s achieved..”

Leah is already recruiting for a part-time store executive to support her in the day to day running of the business and anticipates increasing this as the business takes off.

Andy Ward, who managed the lease negotiations, said: “Shifnal is an increasingly popular destination for independent retail and hospitality and it’s been a pleasure to see the latest business grow in this dynamic location. 

“Leah took this project on at a challenging time; not only was the country in the midst of the Covid lockdown, but being pregnant and then with her son arriving early, she necessarily needed to delegate a lot of responsibility to other trusted partners.  However, throughout she’s demonstrated a determination to get Little Buttons off the ground and I don’t doubt that she’ll make this business a success.” 

Pictured: Leah Ellington and Andy Ward