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Hat hire business provides a green solution to a market gap
30/03/2022
Endeavour hopes to source beautiful hats made right here in Oxfordshire
A cupboard full of clothing – but nothing to wear for the next function: that’s a position many people find themselves in. When it comes to hats the situation can be even worse. For most people hats are needed infrequently, take up valuable space and are often only suitable for one occasion.
The current economic environment has also made it increasingly difficult to source the correct head attire.
Having spotted the problem, one local businesswoman has found a solution. Yolanda Fletcher has set up Queen Bee, where hats for all occasions can be hired.
Yolanda said: “I started to realise that it is not only expensive to keep buying hats, but it is also increasingly difficult to source them. This was highlighted when one of my go-to major stores told me they had a very limited stock due to shipping issues and costs.”
Many hats are made in China and the Far East and then shipped around the world. Having initially purchased stock from another business, and supplemented this with new offerings, Yolanda is keen to move to sourcing her supplies locally and reducing the carbon footprint for the endeavour.
She said: “In the longer term I really want to develop the offering using local talent, to create beautiful hats right here in Oxfordshire, available for hire”
Based at Bloxham Mill, Queen Bee utilises a repurposed office space that had been lying empty. Complete with a dedicated changing area, customers can try on hats and find one that will match their outfit.
With a number of social events looming through the spring and summer months the business appears to be plugging the gap in the market. Yolanda said: “I am delighted to say that customers really appreciate the intimate service we have created and the added value of doing the right thing for their bank balances and the planet.
“Our customers are exclusively women, we understand the importance of privacy, elegance, and style, without an unacceptable price tag for the planet.”
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam