A new business in Dudley Town Centre was officially opened by the Mayor of Dudley.

Love the Dress in New Street had a visit from The Mayor of Dudley, Cllr Steve Waltho and Mayoress Mrs Jayne Waltho. Owner, Helen Wade, showed the civic couple around and explained their plans for the future.

The dress shop specialises in fifties style outfits which are usually only available at online stores, dresses for special occasions and everyday wear. Customers can visit the boutique and try on items including brands such as Dolly and Dotty, Lindy Bop, Voodoo Vixen The Pretty Kitty and Collectif.

The official opening took place on Wednesday 6 April although the shop started trading three months ago.

Helen Wade, owner of Love the Dress said:

“We are very grateful to the Mayor and Mayoress for taking the time to visit us to help promote local businesses as part of the town’s regeneration.

“Since we opened the people of Dudley have welcomed us and we are thrilled to be just one of the several new businesses that offer something new to the town. We hope to become established here and continue to offer beautiful dresses at affordable prices.” 

The business is one of 14 new businesses that have sprung up in town following the completion of the £6.7m regeneration of Dudley town centre, which was part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund. In addition, £2.8 million has been invested into restoring key historic buildings in Dudley town centre to create or safeguard jobs as part of the Townscape Heritage Initiative. Councillor Steve Waltho, Mayor of Dudley, said:

“I am pleased that new businesses are being encouraged to set up in the town centre following the major improvements. This is regenerating the town and helping businesses like Love the Dress to choose Dudley to start up and I hope many more will follow them.”