Blackpool family open Gill’s House of Fashion in former Ukio clothing store

The shop, Gill’s House of Fashion, has taken the place of the former Ukio clothing store, opposite Starbucks in Victoria Street.

The Gills have been stallholders at the Abingdon Street Market for the past 17 years and had to move out into temporary premises when the refurbishment of the market began.

But now they have put down roots with their own bricks and mortar shop, still offering the things they did at the market with their stall Tippy Toes, but branching out into other lines.

Now they stock a huge variety of ladies’ clothing, dresses, handbags, evening bags and purses, prom dresses, fascinators, jewellery, shoes, as well as the knitwear that they were best known for in the market.

Son, Adi Gill, who is a fully trained airline pilot, said his parents would carry on with their market stall in a nearby unit in Victoria Street, until their licence agreement ends at the end of March, but were delighted when the shop space became available.

He said: “At the end of January we talked to the landlord about the vacancy and made something come out of it. It’s a really exciting time.

“As a family we have always envisioned having our own shop in Blackpool town centre.

"I specifically had this target from a very young age. I truly believe working seven days a week, 365 days a year has paid off. It is only the start and we are working tirelessly to have different products available for everyone aged between 16 and 70.

"Everyone knows my mum and dad from the market so we wanted the family name in the shops’ name. We will be stocking all the knitwear for our customers from the market because that’s what they will want at the new shop.

Samuel and Maryam Gill said: “Our aim is to have something different for the tourist and our local customers. We have sourced different brands to ensure the products are unique and will suit the needs of our customers.”

They added that they will be continuing with their online offerings, with products are listed on their Facebook and Instagram page and they also offer free postage.