Service with a smile. Jess, hard at work.
Born in the spring of 2007 erj has quickly become a highly respected independent women’s boutique. erj was the brainchild of husband and wife team Rob and Ev Welsh, both with long term experience in fashion, wholesale and retail, who had been planning to open a quality female fashion store, but had been waiting for the right ‘space’ to become available in Hoole on the outskirts of Chester.
When number 37 Faulkner St became free the opportunity was seized.
Hoole was the only place they wanted for this venture as this bustling ‘urban village’ area less than a mile from Chester city centre has a great mix of quality independent businesses with award winning butchers, fishmongers, deli’s, bakeries, hair and beauty spas, gastro pub and restaurants. Hoole has a great old school ‘community’ feel with some bang up to date elements.
erj initially stocked ladies lifestyle brands mainly from the UK and had a heritage in a sport/pastimes such as snow sports, sailing and equestrian, but also were brands that produced high quality fashion collections. As the business grew rapidly and the shop space doubled (erj expanded and knocked through into no 35 next door in 2009 creating one nice sized retail space with many interesting areas within this space). erj then gradually began to add more contempary labels from all over Europe and developed a far more ‘boutique’ feel.
With its antique white wood panelled walls and display cabinets and faded painted floor, the interior of erj is not what you would call ‘slick’, more quirky yet unfussy, where the clothing is hung in a simple manner making the garments the real stars against this blank canvas!
Today erj showcases beautiful, hand picked collections of clothes, jewellery, shoes and gifts, lovingly sourced with the help of Daughter Jessica (she’s the j in erj). Jessica joined the business in a full time capacity after qualifying from john Moore university with a degree in fashion and textiles (useful!). Service is one of the main keys to erj’s success and is what Ev and her knowledgeable staff provide their loyal customers on a daily basis.
Personal styling is standard at erj and all this is achieved in a very relaxed and enjoyable way. X
