New Helensburgh shop North-Northwest opens this week

North-Northwest will open in Sinclair Street, in the premises formerly occupied by the Vanity Fair clothing retailer, on March 29.

Former Vanity Fair stalwarts Emma and Margaret have both been kept on for the new shop, which is being opened by Lucy Paterson, the owner of The Scandinavian Shop next door.

Lucy told the Advertiser she had wanted to offer clothing but there wasn't the space in her existing store.

The day Vanity Fair closed, they decided to jump on the space as a new, though "complementary", venture.

Products will include coats and jackets, utility wear, Scottish knitwear, rainboots, bags and rucksacks and hats.

"They're all inspired by and for people who love the outdoors," explained the 57-year-old.

"We're selling things people will want to wear over and over again."

The launch on Friday, on the same day as Capercaillie Gifts and Home next door, marks a brisk turnaround for Sinclair Street, which lost both Vanity Fair and Amaryllis Living within days in January.

Brands will include Didriksons, which Lucy wears and bought at Blacks in the town before it closed. The Rains brand will also be on offer, along with more outdoor gift items such as picnic items, water bottles and books.

READ MORE: Vanity Fair Helensburgh closes its doors for final time

While budgets remain tight, Lucy says they are not trying to offer so-called "fast fashion" of stores such as Primark - with the focus instead on "slow fashion" or "slow living".

"Nobody else in the town sells these type of things," she said.

"That's the key point with a small town. A small town like this should be supporting independent retailers.

"That's the heart of the high street. We took this on to keep an independent retailer on the high street.

"We thrive because people want to find something they would not find in a big store."

She added: "It's a happy coincidence we are opening at the same time as Capercaillie."

North-Northwest opens at 57 Sinclair Street on March 29.