KNOWN fondly as Imelda Marcos, Tina Williams turned a passion for shoes into a Bournemouth gem boasting a treasure trove of shoes, hats and bags.
And Imeldas Wardrobe has been nominated by YOU for our Trader of the Week.

Bournemouth Echo:
 "I have been in the fashion industry all my life and opened my first shop in 1984," said Tina."I have always loved beautiful shoes since I was a little girl. Throughout my life I had always sold lovely shoes, knowing one day when the time was right I would open a dedicated shoe shop."
And true to her word, Tina opened the Gervis Place gem in 2009.

Bournemouth Echo:
Thousands of women have found that perfect frock or fabulous footwear for weddings or Ascot  and so, when the pandemic struck, Tina lost much of her seasonal trade.
However, for many vulnerable customers unable to leave home wanting an item, Tina sends pictures and offers free local delivery. "We can go the extra mile for our lovely customers.," says Tina.

Bournemouth Echo:
Before re-opening a glass screen was installed, hand santiser is on-tap and single use disposable gloves and try-on socks are available should a customer want to try on. And of course, social distancing measures are maintained at all times! And private appointments are held between 9am and 10am and 4pm until 5pm, so customer's may have the shop to themselves!

Bournemouth Echo:
Tina said: "I think many people are worried about the effect the pandemic is having on the High Street. Visiting a store for many customers is part of their enjoyment. The want to see it, feel it, look at the colour and quality with their eyes and try them on for comfort and fit. Many customers don’t like shopping for certain products online, it can be time consuming and when the goods arrive they are disappointed and have the hassle of returning it and waiting for a refund, before they start the search process again.

"If you have a passion for what you love then you will always enjoy what you do. I love shoes, hence the name of the shop, I was called Imelda Marcos, and so many men say their partners are an Imelda Marcos! 
I enjoy the buying process working with suppliers in Italy, Spain, Germany and France selecting the leathers, styles, colours and quality.
"We are are lovely little shop with a huge choice and  have many styles especially made for us . As Autumn approaches our customers will travel from far and wide for our fantastic choice of boots. 
.Facebook: Imeldas Wardrobe Bournemouth

Find out more about Trader of the Week at bournemouthecho.co.uk