Outlet78 to open store in Chippenham Emery Gate centre

In March of this year, OUTFIT78 relocated from the Emery Gate shopping centre in Chippenham to a bigger unit at Borough Parade.

But now the business is returning to the shopping centre, where it was located for six years, in the form of a second store which can be found at a former salon next to The Bay Tree.

While the original shop in Borough Parade is still focusing on men’s clothing, including big brands such as Barbour, the new premises, named Locker, will have an emphasis on designer women’s clothing at a “lower price point.”

The store is set to open for the first time on Saturday, November 18, and partners Gemma Ward and Aaron Gale told this paper they were excited about their business taking the next step.

Mrs Ward said: “We’re really excited, it’s our first step into women’s wear so we’re a little bit nervous, but we can’t wait.

Gemma Ward and Aaron Gale outside Locker (Image: OUTFIT78)

“We’ve had a store since 2017 and we identified a bit of a gap in the market for clothing at lower prices, and women’s wear and footwear.

“It’s a bit of a dream to be honest, it’s a family-run business and it shows that the High Street is opening up again.”

The pair believe that the growth of OUTFIT78 highlights the increasing success of local businesses thriving in Chippenham.

“People are very quick to pull down the town centre but there is definitely a good footfall”, added Mrs Ward.

“It feels like people are coming back to the town centre, they don’t want to use online shopping because they what to come and see the products, so it’s a step in the right direction.

“We’re very lucky that we have very loyal customers who keep shopping with us, and so many women say they wish we did women’s wear so it’s nice to be able to offer that.”

Aaron Gale ahead of the opening of OUTFIT78 in Borough Parade (Image: Outlet78)

Back in February, ahead of the opening of the Borough Parade unit, Mr Gale reflected on the success of the business, which had long been his dream.

He told this paper that the shop had made it through the pandemic because it catered to a broad range of people.

He added: “The store has been a long-standing part of the community and it’s been well supported by lots of locals, and some people outside of Chippenham as well, I think a lot of people appreciate what we have to offer.”