Victoria's Oktober Venture Launches in July
RETURNING TO PITLOCHRY after graduating in Edinburgh, Victoria Sandford toiled hard for several months to realise her dream of working in retail. She explored several businesses in the locality but felt that the opportunities available were not suitable so she took it upon herself to launch her own business.
Her shop, ‘Oktober’ recently opened its doors on Atholl Road, Pitlochry. It sells homeware from abroad, beautiful scarves for every occasion and has a substantial range of accessories, such as designer handbags from Ri2k and Suzy Smith. Angie Gooderham jewellery is a well-known London brand but is proving a big hit with people in this area. These products are exclusive and cannot be sourced elsewhere in Highland Perthshire.
Oktober tempts the shopper for wedding, anniversary or birthday gifts and, with Christmas not all that far away, present buying opportunity for everyone that avoids the hassle of going to Perth. |
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Victoria told Comment that her shop has been extremely well received, with many of its items already being sold out. “This shop is something totally different for Pitlochry as it is ‘neutral’ in style and feels very Scandinavian with light colours,” she observed. “My stock is constantly refreshed thus offering locals, and visitors to the area, something new an exciting to choose from.”
Initially she admits to being nervous about starting a new business in Pitlochry, not just because of her age but also because there are now a few empty shops in the town. However, with the support and help of her parents Jeney & Tony Sandford, she is determined to make this business a huge success, not only for herself but also to enhance the retail experience for visitors to the town, so encouraging them to make return visits.
With plans already afoot for expansion, Victoria reported: “I have really enjoyed my first few weeks in business; many people have come to congratulate us and to say how fantastic the shop looks.”
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