Frangipani blooms with second store

WEDNESDAY, MAY 30: Business is blooming in Hamilton.

That’s the view of Frangipani store owner Chris Bryan who has added a Washington Mall location to the business he already has in St George’s.

The new store, which is located on the lower level of Washington Mall next to Harbourmaster, opened last week Monday.

Mr Bryan said the current focus is on women’s clothes with “high street style”, which includes a variety of fabrics and styles in bright, lively colours.

“We have a lot of costume jewellery, silver jewellery, scarves, hats, sandals, bags and purses.

“We’re not fashion like Dulce & Gabbana or Versace — we’re more high street wear. We have a lot of bright batik prints.”

He said the success of his first store has him believing he has the right product that interests products.

Tremendous

“Frangipani has been tremendously received in St George’s. I’ve had a store there for three years. The business itself has been around for 20 years.

“There are so many people who love our clothes — especially in this economy where people might want other options.

“The feedback I get is the locals love our clothes and designs so I decided to try something in Hamilton.”

Kim Adair is the store’s full-time manager and it also has one part-time employee.

The store is open from Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm.

My Bryan also owns Bermuda Trader, an import wholesaler.

He said over the last 11 years of business he has lost major customers like Smith’s and Triminghams, but the recession has speeded the process up as owners can’t seem to adapt and change quickly enough for the fluidity in the market.

“I could list 20 companies since I started 11 years ago. In fact, I’ve lost six clients over the winter so it’s always reinventing the wheel and trying to do things to keep viable.

“Bermuda Trader was a wholesale company, but I opened Frangipani as a retail establishment. It’s a completely separate business, but it happens to buy from me.”

Mr Bryan said sales have been solid for the past few months.

“I had a very strong April and a very strong May in St George’s so I’m quite pleased with how things are going there.”