A boutique shop that looks to address the lack of options available when it comes to shopping for women’s clothing in Carlisle has recently opened up.

The Closet on the Bank has sprouted up on Scotland Road, offering a unique blend of preloved, new, and ‘nearly new’ high-brand ladies' clothing and accessories as well as catering for special occasions from weddings to Christmas parties. 

The shop aims to fill a gap on Carlisle’s high street while promoting sustainability by reducing waste.

Former customer service rep and owner of Fern Lee Guest House, Debbie Armstrong, along with ex-police officer turned businesswoman, Kath Paterson, brought the new unit to life at the end of July.

The Closet on the Bank on Scotland RoadThe Closet on the Bank on Scotland Road (Image: Supplied)

The pair first crossed paths around seven years ago at Carlisle’s beloved Green Room Theatre, where they both volunteered.

“We felt that due to recent closures of shops in Carlisle, the city needed somewhere that ladies can go to see, feel the quality, and try clothes on,” Debbie said.

Aside from the array of over 300 items of clothing, the shop also extends its range to shoes, bags, fascinators, hats, scarfs, and jewellery.

The shop's stock is predominantly sold on commission, giving previously loved items a second lease of life.

“We can’t stand waste and to know that we can offer a service to the people of Carlisle where they can buy an item that was loved by someone else, but they never got the chance to wear it or wore it once, is the best feeling,” she said.

Stocking sought-after brands like Condici, Monsoon, Phase Eight, Coast, Jacques Vert, Oasis, and many others, The Closet on the Bank tags everything at around a third of the original selling price ensuring affordable luxury for its customers.

“We provide an honest, efficient, supportive, helpful and friendly environment for people, so that they feel as comfortable as possible. We don’t want anyone leaving our shop unhappy,” Debbie said.

Additionally, visitors of the shop (located just two doors from The Crown Pub in Stanwix) can benefit from its convenient location, a short walk away from Stanwix Car Park, along with the accessible on-street parking – all served by disc parking.

The spot is booked until Christmas, after which the partnership may transition into a permanent, larger space if things go well.

“We’ve had so many comments from people saying how lovely the shop and the window looks and they’ve said they’re so happy we are here, it’s something that is really needed in the area,” Debbie said.

The Closet on the Bank is open Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9am to 3pm, Thursdays from 1pm to 7pm, and Fridays and Saturdays from 9am to 3pm.

You can find them on social media here.