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HERE are not many issues of Stamford Living that have not featured Energy’s cool bohemian clothes, and their fantastic range of jeans for both men and women. This one-stop shop is the cornerstone of many a local customer’s wardrobe young and old, male and female. Returning customers and now friends who have moved away still come back with carrier bags to prove it. After studying for her ‘A’ Levels, Sarah started as a trainee Buyer at British Shoe but a wander past an empty shop in Stamford Walk caught her eye. She called the number in the window and managed to talk her way into renting the premises (Now George’s Sandwich Bar) rent-free for a few weeks. She had a vision to sell the casual clothes she loved and grabbed it. Twenty years ago you could set up shop with clothes on a sale or return basis and companies were happy to oblige. With some makeshift shop fittings from the local scrap yard she set about selling ‘surf style’ to us locals and never looked back. There was nothing like it at the time and still isn’t. Another shop followed giving more space and the ability to acquire more brands as the customer base grew. Fifteen years on in Ironmonger Street Sarah asked Claire (a customer) if she would like a job. Now Claire and Sarah are the winning combination of pure ‘Energy’ enthusiasm and a zest for life and living that cannot be matched! People come in for a chat, not necessarily to buy, it’s a sociable hub and never dull. When advice is needed the girls are there to help. Their jeans fitting ability for all shapes and sizes has to be experienced. We have had a lot of fun outfitting various groups we have featured in the magazine and the same comment rings in my ear “It was the first pair I tried on!” Between us chefs, choirs, and more recently band members are astounded that they can find the perfect fit. Brands are very important to Sarah. She buys with her customers in mind and told me she was one of the first shops in the UK to sell Maison Scotch. “It was a jaw dropping moment!” Now this phenomenal Dutch brand caters for men and women and works well with the sportier brands such as Adidas, Carhartt, Pepe and Levis to name but a few. This savvy pair has moved the business on to new level thanks to the Internet. What they have achieved is more than admirable. They have over 3K followers on social media and a vibrant Instagram account, whereby other (International) brands such as Becksonndergaard scarves (14.5K followers) re-gram their images and the unique look they have created. Employing Alex to do their photography has ensured a constant drip feed of tantalising images of the Energy girls wearing clothes and accessories to covet. “It’s all about having fun!” Sarah smiles. “We love what we do and want to share it. We love living in Stamford and want to celebrate it.” Now their infamous ‘A’ board gives us all happy quotes to try to live by – you can’t help but come away thinking... I wish I could bottle it, their Energy is infectious! Energy – 9 Ironmonger St. Tel. 01780 765633 Look out for a new re-fit in May to celebrate 20 years in business. www.energy-clothing.com wearetheenergygirls ( Instagram account ) Thank you to Alex Wallace for the Energy Girls images. Other pictures by Elli Dean (07932 055548) www.ellideanphotography.co.uk
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STAMFORD LIVING JUNE 2016
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