There have been trying times for the west’s fashion industry over the last couple of years, but one city centre boutique has turned the tide around for her business by thinking outside the box.
Demora, one of the most exclusive style emporiums in the West, has upped the game by opening her store to a world-wide community.
One of the first e-commerce sites in Ireland to offer high-end designers such as Milly, Sara Berman, Nicole Miller, Yoana Baraschi and Vivienne Westwood Anglomania to purchase online, proprietor Deirdre Morahan, is boasting a substantial increase in sales since going world-wide.
While the stunning boutique has always been a favourite among the country’s most stylish women, Ms Morahan, a Salthill native, said she decided to push the boat out to embrace the business potential outside Galway.
“It’s been a real eye-opener. I originally just wanted a redesign of my site, but decided to go the whole hog and offer my store to a broader audience. The response has been really encouraging, and is perfect for those who can’t make the trip to the boutique for whatever reason. I still offer the same high-end service to those who shop online, and have found the response to it really positive so far. It’s been a serious boost to my business.”
Not one to rest on her laurels, Ms Morahan has also began to offer free style workshops for those who love clothes, but are a little under confident when it comes to styling themselves.
“ Every woman can look amazing, no matter what her shape or size; she really just needs to know how to dress for her shape, and choose colours that complement her. Accessorising is also really important. When you get it right, you get it right. And there’s no better time to show off your newfound style than at the Galway Races.”
Ms Morahan’s first Racing Style Workshop was recently held in her Galway boutique last week, where top stylist Delilah offered free consultations to women looking for a few invaluable tips to up their own game in the style stakes.
“I love women to love what they buy, to love how they look when they’re all dressed up. Fashion is about feeling great – so to me, giving the most honest and straight-forward advice is what I do best. There’s no nicer feeling than seeing a woman see just how wonderful she can look in the right outfit.”