Ashton-based Melissa Louise Children’s Boutique has won the Northern Enterprise Award for Best Children’s Fashion Retailer in the North West.

The boutique, which is located in Blackpool Road at Lane Ends, is owned by local entrepreneur Melissa Hall.

Melissa opened the boutique in 2019, after building a successful online business.

Read more: Preston woman expands successful online business with children’s boutique in Lane Ends

Melissa said: “This has given us a huge boost and it has made us proud to be recognised.

“We started the business four years ago with an office and internet site. Since opening our boutique in December 2019 our sales have increased further, which has enabled us to expand our brands.

“Having a retail premises is so important as not everyone likes to order online. Customers also like to come in store to view the products. We now have customers travelling to us from other areas in the UK.”

Melissa says even Covid-19 hasn’t been able to stop the business from growing.

Read more: Preston tops list for most new companies formed in Lancashire during 2020

“The past 12 months have proved challenging what with having to close the shop three times due to the pandemic, but the business has still been able to progress due to increased internet sales and worldwide shipping.”

The Northern Enterprise Awards celebrates the industriousness and the dedication of the businesses and enterprises hailing from the north of England.

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What do you think of Melissa’s success? Let us know in the comments.