The owner of a new Perth clothing shop hopes her new boutique can fill a gap in the market amid a number of store closures in the city.
Monika Staszak opened Polka Dot boutique on Princes Street earlier this month.
She hopes her store, which sells a wide range of women’s clothes, can fill the void left by the closure of rivals.
Just last month, Oliver Bonas on the High Street closed. Monika hopes her new venture can capitalise.
Opening Polka Dot amid Perth city centre woes
She explained why she decided to set up the store.
“In Perth, I noticed that there are not a lot of shops that I’m able to buy clothes in.
“Recently, Oliver Bonas closed and that was one of the shops that I did use.
“So I think there are maybe only two other stores like mine in Perth. I hope I can fill that gap in the market.”
Monika said the business was off to a good start, but added there have been days when the city centre has been deserted.
Earlier this year, shoppers voiced their concerns over the state of Perth city centre following a spate of businesses closing their doors.
However, Monika said people who’ve visited her shop have had only positive feedback.
She added: “Overall, people have been very happy.
“Some people have just come in to say they’re really happy to see something new open in Perth.
“Others have been saying they’ve done all their Christmas shopping but that they’d be back in January.
“It has been a really positive start so far.”
A family affair for Polka Dot Boutique
Monika has had the keys to the premises – a former beauticians and tattoo studio – since last year.
She delayed opening the store following the deaths of her parents, but felt now was the right time to open Polka Dot.
Monika is currently working in the store alone. She feels as well as saving the business money, it also helps build relationships with customers.
“It means you get to know them and what they want – I think that is really important,” she added.
Her husband and two daughters have been helping out with the business when required.
“It’s a family business,” she added.
Conversation