Small is Beautiful and Profitable for Scotland’s Bohemia Design

Surpassing twelve month targets in the first six months is something young entrepreneurs aim for but rarely attain. Two Edinburgh women focused on creating a small lifestyle boutique, in the real world and online, are fast achieving their targets and being showered with awards in the process.

When Jenny Lockton and Debbie Ogg opened their Edinburgh-based lifestyle boutique 12 months ago, their goal was to target a market in which a mix of womenswear, baby and children’s clothes gifts and accessories would attract their ideal customer. Called ’Bohemia Design’ the concept quickly took off helped largely by their astute choice of brands chosen to feature on the boutiques shelves.

“15 years ago, as a mum with young kids, Id have loved the concept of a lifestyle shop; being able to get everything I needed for myself and my children from one beautiful boutique” says Lockton. “With Bohemia we’ve created the kind of boutique we’d love to visit ourselves somewhere calm for adults and fun for kids, so everyone enjoys the experience.”

All of Bohemia’s brands need to tick the check list of offering something unique along with comfort and good value. Key womenswear brands chosen for the store include Odd Molly , the cult Swedish Label and a stylish French label called American Vintage. Complimenting these core brands are Totem Praia, Crumpet Cashmere England and footwear from Bensimon. These labels reflect the casual, youthful elegance that appeals to Bohemia’s target customers. Typical of Bohemia Design, the two partners designed and sourced their own range of leather bags and slippers from Morocco - adding yet another unique touch to this Aladdin’s cave of desirable clothing and accessories.

Located on an Edinburgh street corner just minutes from the city centre, the interior of has an airy feel with high ceilings and lots of natural light, complimented with light wooden floors, bright metallic wallpapers, chandeliers and glass display cabinets. Bohemia Design is passionate about being family-friendly and a dedicated play area with DVDs and games keeps children entertained while mums - and the occasional dad - can take in the ambience of scented candles and music and enjoy a peaceful shopping experience.

Customers unable Edinburgh need not worry about missing out on the Bohemia experience. Lockton and Ogg have lavished the same attention to detail on their web site as they have on their real world store - www.bohemiadesign.co.uk is as stylish as it is functional.

“Customers have a very short amount of time to be attracted to a website so it has to look great and be quick and very easy to navigate. If not, the customer will give up and go elsewhere and its unlikely they’ll come back.” says Lockton. “It’s the same as a bricks and mortar shop, you have to keep it clean and tidy, keep stock updated and communicate.”


Bohemia Design - www.bohemiadesign.co.uk

Contact Information

Graham Metcalfe

Marketing Director

ExpressMedia

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