THE LATEST store to open in Wokingham’s Peach Place had a ribbon-cutting ceremony by the borough mayor.
On Wednesday, August 7, Cllr Bill Soane declared open shoe and handbag shop Elle Won.
The independent store is the second for the owner and chief designer Lape Adejuwon.
In a statement, Cllr Soane said: “Fantastic new independent businesses such as Elle Won are really helping to revitalise Wokingham and create a buzz in the town centre.
“Wokingham is definitely becoming the local place of choice for great shopping and socialising, especially when you want something that little bit different or unique. New shops like Elle Won really complement the other independent and niche shops to be found at Peach Place and across the town centre.”
He added: “I was also incredibly impressed with Lape, the owner of Elle Won, and her plans for the business. She’s achieved so much at her first store in Caversham, hosting special events and talks and raising money for charity, and is set to replicate this success right here in Peach Place.
“Her commitment to encouraging talent is to be celebrated and she’s keen to start working with other local designers as the store evolves.”
Lape Adejuwon, owner and chief designer at Elle Won, was pleased to be returning to the place where the business launched.
She said: “We’re an organically growing independent business that started in Wokingham in February 2017 with one handbag. We’ve been growing through word of mouth to become a local treasure with our quality and timeless designs.
“Everything we do is sourced responsibly with the customer in mind.
“As a local business, we are really pleased to be opening here at Peach Place and look forward to sharing our designs with Wokingham.”
Clintons is due to re-open its card shop in Wokingham on Saturday morning, while fashion retailer Oliver Bonas, bathroom store Ripples and dentist Perfect Smile are in the process of fitting out their respective units.