Just opened on Ladygate, Beverley is a quirky shop waiting to be discovered.
Downstairs from Fantasia Fancy Dress, is Dark Attire Alternative Boutique. Run by husband and wife team Gavin and Melanie Mason, Dark Attire started out life just over a year ago as a mobile shop.
Working events and markets around Hull and the surrounding region, Dark Attire has built up a loyal customer base. With gothic and alternative clothing, “for the dark at heart,” this small boutique stocks only a few of each item of clothing as well as many one offs, to ensure that customers can make a purchase without having to worry that all their friends will be wearing the same outfit!
Starting with a small range of women’s clothing, handbags and costume jewellery, the Dark Attire stall was soon a regular feature at many an event and market.
Melanie said,
“The support and feedback we’ve received from customers has been fantastic. We’ve met some really lovely people. Most people have said there is very little choice in the area; they have to travel to York or Whitby to have any choice at all, or shop online, which is risky because you can’t always get a good idea of what you’re buying or try things on.”
In the current financial climate, providing an affordable range of clothing is important to Gavin and Melanie, who said, “It’s hard to manage financially and buy everything your family needs within a tight budget. High street prices can still be too much at the moment. We try to provide good-quality clothes and accessories at reasonable prices – in fact, our accessories start at just a pound so there really is something for every budget.”
As well as clothing, Dark Attire stocks a range of gift ware including incense and candles, trinket boxes, ornaments and a range of handmade vinyl gift ware. Retro Vinyl Cupcake Stands can be made to order if required, either in genres (70s, 80s rock, pop, etc.) or can be themed to a particular band (subject to availability). Stock is updated regularly and there are plans afoot to stock a larger range of gift ware, as well as branded band merchandise.
After being based on markets for over a year, Dark Attire has recently moved into their shop at 11 Ladygate, Beverley. This Grade II listed building stands as though it were made to be a gothic shop.
It is certainly true that this shop appears to be one of a kind in the area. Due to the closure of an alternative chain store in nearby Hull, Dark Attire is now one of the only places to buy anything out of the ordinary.
Gavin said, “There’s nothing like us in Beverley at all….. we really are pretty unique.” Melanie feels that the new shop enhances the area. “We offer a choice to local shoppers looking for something a little bit different,” she explained. “Beverley has lots of interesting, independent stores as well as the market every Saturday. Dark Attire adds to the mix to bring another exciting, individual shop and appeals to teens and adults alike.”
Dark Attire operates a 10% discount to students with an NUS card and gift vouchers are available to purchase from the shop.
Dark Attire Alternative Boutique is open at 11 Ladygate, Beverley, Tuesday to Saturday 9 am – 5 pm, Sundays 10 am – 4 pm. Tel: 01482 887293.
