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A LOCAL retail entrepreneur is expanding and launching a third store in St Peter Port, 10 years after he took on his first lease.
Just Scene is an alternative clothing boutique which has opened at 41, Commercial Arcade and is run by Stuart Lean, the proprietor of Just Games. Stuart launched Just Games in 2013 in Church Square after the closure of HMV and has since relocated to larger premises. Stuart’s other retail venture is Just Tech, which opened in the Arcade 12 months ago. The new clothing venture – Just Scene – Is aimed at young people and adults so provides gothic clothing, boots, shoes and band T-shirts along with accessories, merchandise and themed items.
Commenting on the expansion, Stuart said: ‘Our new initiative is designed to cater for the alternative lifestyle scene, which is not new, but generations are cyclical and trends come and go, so the idea is to move into a section of the market where we know there is a demand locally.
‘Our main challenge is remaining competitive with the online marketplace, which is fine whilst we are fully VAT or GST free. The internet is a useful tool, but even among popular places, quality control, talking to experienced staff and the tactile advantages of holding the product in your hands and making decisions for yourself are services it can never provide.’
Korinne Le Page, Head of Retail Development at the GRG, confirmed she was delighted with the news.
Guernsey Retail Group LBG, 9-11 High Street, St Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 2JZ The GRG is Limited by Guarantee and is registered as a Not-for-Profit Organisation (NP269).
‘We are so pleased to see Stuart open a third store as it takes courage, belief and determination to establish a business and this is another illustration of how working with local businesses is benefitting retail on-Island. Over the past year, seven new leases have been taken on in the Commercial Arcade alone.’
Stuart said: ‘As everyone is aware, retail has been a real challenge over the past few years but we have received fabulous support from Islanders during the pandemic and felt this was the time to establish this new venture. As a team we are passionate and determined to make this a success.’
Up to eight staff are now employed across the three outlets.
