Launched in 2007, the Stars Best Shop Awards, dubbed the ‘Oscars of the Lingerie Industry’ and organised by Underlines Magazine are an independent recognition of excellence in intimate apparel, swimwear and legwear retailing in the United Kingdom.
With previous winners including companies such as House of Fraser, Selfridges and Very, you might rightly think that it’s tough competition and it would be unlikely a business that started out simply selling on eBay could be a winner. You’d be wrong though, Lingerie Outlet Store who earlier this year were revealed to be an ‘eBay millionaire‘ kicked the competition to land the Specialist Etailer 2017 award.
This isn’t even an award that you can nominate yourself for – the Brands Jury decide who gets to enter so a huge congratulations to Clare Haines and Melissa Burton on their achievement.
The Lingerie Outlet Store partners
Clare started Lingerie Outlet Store nine years ago and wanted a job where she could work around her son. Picking up the Yellow Pages, Clare searched for manufacturers in Swindon and Triumph popped up. Clare rang them and asked if they had clearance stock and spoke to the sales director who said yes, but refused to sell to her citing brand protection.
Melissa joined the business 6 years in, after it had moved to a small premises and then a larger warehouse. The two had always been friends and Melissa had helped out a few times and then got made redundant at a time the business had grown so big it was starting to get out of hand. Melissa has a background in finance and operations and streamlined the operations.
You can read more about Lingerie Outlet Store in an interview from earlier this year.
