Hailsham Mayor Opens New Shop In Town Centre

Town Mayor Councillor Jo Bentley took part in the recent opening of a new body jewellery and lingerie shop in Hailsham town centre.

She was joined by proprietors mother and daughter Stacey and Lois Hannam to declare Olivia B officially open for business on Saturday [31 January] and was among many people to explore the new premises located at 4A St Mary’s Walk.

Independent retailer Olivia B offers a wide selection of unique and contemporary ladies lingerie including a free fitting and measurement service, as well as body jewellery with an in-house VRQ Level 3 qualified make-up artist available for consultation.

Delighted that the Mayor was able to formally open the new shop, proprietor Stacey Hannam said:

“The reason we decided to open a shop was actually by sheer chance. My daughter Lois wanted to go to Eastbourne to get more body jewellery and I needed to get new lingerie. The shop was actually in the process of closing down and there was nowhere else to get it locally.

It’s not good having to go all the way into Eastbourne to go shopping for new underwear and having to make an appointment for a fitting, which is why we thought how great it would be if we could provide body jewellery and underwear for people in Hailsham, as there is nothing like it here.

We’ve lived in Hailsham for the last 11 years. The town is looking really good and hopefully we can add to its future prosperity.”

Olivia B is the latest in a succession of businesses to occupy some of the vacant units in Hailsham town centre. During 2014, the town centre has welcomed Subway in Hailsham High Street, Todd’s Barbers in George Mews, Hot Dogs Grooming in George Street, and Dragon Studios Photography in Market Square, among others.

Mayor Councillor Jo Bentley, who cut the ribbon at the opening said:

“I was delighted to be asked to cut the ribbon at the opening of Olivia B and it’s wonderful to see enterprising people start a business for the first time in our town. We have an increasingly vibrant town centre and the opening of this shop is a great addition.

What we must all remember however, is that local independent shops are an asset to our community and it is important that we support our local economy by purchasing goods from them whenever possible rather than larger out-of-town chain stores.

I wish Stacey, Lois and the team at Olivia B every success in the future.”

Olivia B is open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5.30pm. For more information contact Stacey or Lois on 07775 203790.