In Wokingham, we are truly lucky to have some fabulous, stand out independent retailers that help our high street stay unique. One of these is Purple Butterfly owned by the stylish Germaine Kelly who lives here with her husband Andrew and some very cute dogs! Many years ago I worked in a small and now-defunct ladies’ boutique in Bush walk and Germaine was one of our favourite customers and when she opened her first shop I knew it would be something special.
Germaine told me;
Purple Butterfly Boutique was started 12 years ago, initially as a mobile business, selling accessories in offices & gyms. In 2020 we opened our first shop in Wokingham, then in 2014 we moved to a bigger shop in Denmark St and we’re still there. In Sept 2021 we opened our second store in Marlow and now employ 12 local people. Purple Butterfly was named in memory of my Sister, Beverley, who loved the local purple.
Germain Kelly
What inspired you to open a boutique?
I didn’t really know that it was fashion I liked, but I’ve always loved fabrics which led me to love fashion, including fashion in art and history and music. When my children grew up I decided I could try my hand at a new career.
What do you offer that chain stores and online stores can’t give their customers?
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We’ve chosen not to be online because I believe in offering our customers a great customer experience in-store. In addition, Purple Butterfly is not just about selling clothes because anyone can do that part. For us, it’s about creating an individual look for an individual customer, giving them ideas on how to put “a look” together.
I personally choose every item instore with our customers in mind. There are the chain stores and then there are local stores, within the local community that employ local people, support local charities and are a little hub of friendly chit chat on a daily basis, which you can’t get from the big chains.
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Do you think your passion for fashion is something that your customers can sense?
You can’t be everything to everyone but I do think that Purple Butterfly has been well received in Wokingham and now in Marlow. I recently said if Purple Butterfly was a cocktail it would have a dash of boho, a pinch of hippie, a splash of vintage with lots of colour and always topped off with lots of champagne because fashion is the art we all individually express and it should always be fun.
If you are looking for something beautiful to wear or a pretty gift for someone special Purple Butterfly is an incredible place to visit and you will receive a truly warm welcome from the staff who really enjoy helping you find those gorgeous items that will make you look so fabulous as you waft gracefully around Wokingham feeling a million bucks. Priceless.
Purple Butterfly Wokingham Store: 8 Denmark Street, Wokingham RG40 2BB 0118 3271190
Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/PurpleButterflyLtd