WHILE many independent shops have encountered challenging times with the pandemic, two friends seized the opportunity to set up a new luxury lifestyle shop in Mobberley.

Lindow End opened its doors in April at Warford Terrace, Knutsford Road.

Co-owners Heather Ayrton and Michelle Whyte said the pandemic helped press the re-set button and inspired them to bring together and support women in independent retail.

The concept of Lindow End was born with the aim to lift women in business affected by the pandemic.

“We’re working with a number of fabulous niche businesses led by talented women and providing them with a shop window for their ranges, which includes luxury nightwear, ladies’ clothes, designer jewellery and faux flower wreaths,” said Heather who is a property developer and former primary school teacher.

Michelle, who has a strong background in retail, sales and marketing, added: “Heather and I have a shared passion for relaxed, luxury living at affordable prices.

“We named the shop after the hamlet of Lindow End to put it firmly on the map.

“It’s a great location and we felt there was a real need to support small independent female retail businesses.

“Everything we stock we would choose to buy ourselves – if we don’t love it, we don’t list it and we have a range of price points.”

It was a lockdown dog-walk together on the beach that inspired the idea to create Lindow End and support women in independent retail.

Heather and Michelle will shortly be taking Lindow End online and they say they are also considering a coffee truck, as Lindow End has its own car park.

“We’ve been overwhelmed with how welcoming and positive customers have been and we’d like to thank everyone for all their support,” the pair commented.

“Opening an independent and local shop two days out of the last lockdown has been quite a feat but we’re thrilled to be delivering on our mission to enable customers to create a relaxed and affordable luxury lifestyle.”

Brands stocked, with new brands being added weekly, include The Secret Closet, Lucy Bradshaw Jewellery, Green and Pink Luxury Nightwear, Secret Garden Wreath Co together with East of India, St Eval candles, Retreat Home, Hills Interiors, Pigment Cards and Jelly Cat.