Welcome back to the latest instalment of the Burntwood Business Blog!
Today, we’re thrilled to introduce you to a local gem that’s been making waves in the fashion scene—Beaus & Bears Style. Co-owned by Claire Mee and her business partner Steph, this boutique has become a beloved destination for fashion enthusiasts in Chasetown and beyond. Let’s dive into our exclusive interview with Claire to uncover the story behind this fabulous boutique.
Burntwood Business: Can you tell us the story behind Beaus & Bears Style? What inspired you to start this boutique?
Claire Mee: I started Bears Boutique during lockdown when many of the shops were closed due to Covid. Setting up a Facebook page and mainly selling through word of mouth and social media. Steph, my business partner, had a clothing shop called Beaus Style at the back of her hair and beauty salon. As we are both busy mums, we decided in January of this year to join forces and do it together. I think our joint inspiration is to do something we love and help people feel good in what they wear without breaking the bank. We wanted to provide a personal service within our store but also to be accessible to anyone using our website and social media accounts, so we have the best of both worlds for our loyal customers.
Burntwood Business: What sets Beaus & Bears Style apart from other fashion boutiques in Chasetown and the surrounding areas?
Claire Mee: We try to accommodate everyone. We have a wide range of customers and we strive to provide a really personal service, face to face as well as online.
Burntwood Business: How do you curate the collections at Beaus & Bears Style? What influences your fashion choices?
Claire Mee: I think it’s a mixture of our own styles. Having the two of us on board gives us a much broader range, but we also listen to what the customer wants. We love to follow the latest trends and allow our customers to feel on-trend, comfortable, and happy with what they purchase.
Burntwood Business: Can you describe the type of customer who shops at Beaus & Bears Style? What are they looking for in their fashion choices?
Claire Mee: We have a very loyal, local customer base who visit us regularly because they love the clothes, service, and quality. From this, we get a lot of customers through word of mouth. We are building up an online presence as well, which really opens us up to a larger customer base all over the UK. Most of our customers want to feel and look good, they want quality items and a pleasant service – which we pride ourselves on giving them.
Burntwood Business: What are some of the most popular items in your store right now, and why do you think they are such big hits?
Claire Mee: T-shirts, sweatshirts, and comfort wear are very popular. The summer stock is selling well for holiday season right now too.
Burntwood Business: How do you ensure that your fashion items remain affordable without compromising on quality?
Claire Mee: We source our products from reliable companies and handpick the items we know our customers will love and that are of suitable quality for us to sell.
Burntwood Business: Can you share a memorable experience or feedback from a customer that particularly stands out to you?
Claire Mee: We have many regular customers who return on a regular basis because they are so pleased with items they have had in the past. Seeing a customer return always makes us happy.
Burntwood Business: How do you keep up with the latest fashion trends and ensure your boutique stays relevant?
Claire Mee: Social media research helps keep us up to date and on trend, as well as listening to our customers and accommodating requests when possible.
Burntwood Business: What role does personalised style advice play in your customer service approach, and how has it impacted your business?
Claire Mee: We offer a personal shopping experience that can be made by appointment, but we also offer a very interpersonal service in-store during our regular opening hours. Our customers are very important to us, and we are always here to help in any way we can.
Burntwood Business: Can you tell us more about your online shopping platform and how it benefits your customers?
Claire Mee: We have a fabulous website that is so easy to use. We offer delivery options or a free local click and collect service. We have a good social media presence with easy-to-click and buy links to products.
Burntwood Business: How do you engage with your customers on social media, and what platforms do you find most effective?
Claire Mee: We have Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok accounts. We have a private VIP Facebook group where members get the first look at new stock and offers. We find that our Facebook page and group are the most popular at present. We are working on our TikTok channel more and more.
Burntwood Business: Are there any upcoming events or new collections that customers should be excited about?
Claire Mee: We currently have our summer collection in store. We have regular open events and will have one coming up in the next few weeks, so keep an eye out for the event. We also have something really exciting planned towards the end of the summer—so watch this space.
Burntwood Business: How do you approach sustainability and ethical fashion in your boutique?
Claire Mee: We always buy from reputable companies and sell good quality capsule wardrobe-type pieces rather than fast fashion throwaway items. We always look to be sustainable, it’s an important ethos.
Burntwood Business: What advice would you give to someone looking to revamp their wardrobe on a budget?
Claire Mee: You might only need a few key pieces bought new to revamp and reuse some existing items you already have. We are always happy to give advice on any style tips you may need. We also offer 1-2-1 appointments if they are requested.
Burntwood Business: What are your future plans for Beaus & Bears Style? Any new ventures or expansions on the horizon?
Claire Mee: We love the personal service our shop provides, but we do want to expand on our online presence in the future. This is very much a work in progress that we constantly build on and improve daily.
Burntwood Business: Claire, thank you so much for your time today as we know you are very busy and are preparing for your TikTok live session later. We hope to speak to you again soon
Claire Mee: Not a problem at all, thank you so much for the opportunity to speak to you and share a little insight to our boutique.
Beaus & Bears Style is not just a boutique; it’s a passion project that combines Claire and Steph’s love for fashion and personal service. Whether you’re shopping online or visiting in person, you’re guaranteed a unique and satisfying experience. Visit Beaus & Bears Style online or better still, pop in for a personal shopping appointment and discover why this boutique is a true Chasetown treasure. Appointments are available for private viewings if needed.
