Anne Swann Celebrating 35 Years in Fashion with Flair

In the heart of Coleraine, where tradition meets the tides of change, one name has become synonymous with style, resilience, and a personal touch – Anne Swann.

At 70, Anne isn’t just the proud owner of Fashion Flair; she’s a cherished figure in the town’s business landscape. 

Marking 20 years at her Kingsgate Street location and 35 years in the fashion industry overall, Anne’s journey is a testament to passion, tenacity, and an unwavering love for her craft.

The Early Days: A Love for Fashion

Anne's journey began 35 years ago when she launched her first business - a bridal shop.

“I took over Michelle’s in Brook Street, it was a bridal shop with a bit of fashion,” she says. Although the world of wedding fashion was rewarding, Ann soon realised her true passion lay in everyday fashion. 

This revelation led her to transition fully into fashion retail, laying the foundation for what would become Fashion Flair.

“I just preferred the fashion side,” Anne recalls with a smile. “It allowed me to connect more with people daily, to understand their needs, and offer them something unique.”

Moving to Kingsgate Street

For 15 years, Anne tirelessly served her customers in Brook Street before relocating to her current store in Kingsgate Street 20 years ago. 

The move marked a significant turning point. Despite the economic ups and downs that challenged local businesses, Anne’s reputation for personal service kept Fashion Flair bustling.

She transformed her shop into more than just a place to buy clothes - it became a space where customers felt valued and understood. Her commitment to customer care is unmatched.

“I’m here six days a week and I give my customers personal attention,” Anne said. “You can’t run a business well if you aren’t in it.”

“I make sure all my stock is the best quality and I always clear out of my stock most years and then bring in the new stock.”

Through every challenge that came her way, Anne persevered, driven by her love for her work and her loyal customers. 

Many have been shopping at Fashion Flair for decades, some travelling from outside Coleraine to seek her advice and hand-picked collections.

“All my customers are friends. I have customers shopping with me from Belfast, Donegal, Moira, you name it, people come to me. I look after my customers and give them discount.

“I know I’m a small shop but shoppers say to me ‘Anne, it’s a wee hidden gem.’ People don’t realise the stock I have because I carry a lot of stock up in the store and I always try to have a great selection.

“I think people look at the shop from outside and make assumptions, they think that’s a small shop and there won’t be much inside.

“My current stock of winter coats -  you won’t get better in Northern Ireland. You name it, I have it - anoraks, dressy coats, short, long, a variety of colours. If you are looking for a good winter coat, this is the place to come.”

And if you’re unsure what suits you, Anne is more than happy to offer advice.

“I know what suits people and I love what I do and I love working with people.”

A Changing Retail Landscape

“I’ve seen some changes in the last 35 years,” Anne reflected. “So many shops have come and gone – the likes of Simpson and Hills, Smyths, John McCandless, and Hill Brothers. 

“I don’t think enough is done to help the smaller retailer. It seems that the local bodies are too busy looking after the multinationals when it is the small independent businesses that need the help. Small businesses are the backbone of our towns, but we often get overlooked.”

While many businesses faltered or transitioned online, Anne’s in-person approach stood firm.

“Online became a big thing, especially during Covid but it also hurt a lot of businesses, and although I had a website built, I didn’t go down that route. 

“You need too much stock and you need to have a life as well. When I go home from work at night, that’s me closed off, I don’t think about it until the next morning.”

“It would be wonderful to see a lot more wee individual shops open up in the town,” she says. “People are starting to crave that personal touch, something different again, and we need to support those who take the leap. Even if they were offered a year’s rates relied just to get them on their feet.”

Gratitude and Looking Forward

Retirement is a topic her friends bring up often, but for Anne, stepping away isn’t on the horizon.

“What would I do with myself?” she laughs. “This shop, my customers, they’re part of who I am.”

Anne’s gratitude shines through as she reflects on her journey.

“I thank God every day for giving me the strength to keep going,” she says. “God has been good to me, he has given me health to work and although I’ve had my problems, God has brought me through them all. I love what I do, and as long as I’m able to, I’ll keep doing it.”

In an era where fast fashion and faceless online shopping dominate, Anne Swann stands as a beacon of the personal touch and true customer care. 

With boundless energy and a genuine passion, she is sure to inspire those who follow in her footsteps for years to come.

Fashion Flair
17 Kingsgate Street
Coleraine.
Tel: 028 7035 4236
Facebook: www.facebook.com/FashionFlairColeraine