That a second Slick Willy's fashion store has been opened in Dunedin is particularly heartening for the local fashion retail industry, which has seen heavy competition from chains and the internet in recent years.
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But owners Amy and Sarah Henderson have remained one step ahead in the retail stakes, riding the highs and lows of an often fickle trade through determination and an inherent love of fashion and the industry.
The attractive new outlet at 325 George St is at ground level, almost immediately below where Slicks has traded at 323A George St for many years.
"The upstairs store is now concentrating on men's and women's denim and urban streetwear ranges which include of number of young, cool New Zealand, European and Australian brands, while the new boutique is housing the more high-end New Zealand labels and a few hand-picked European lines,'' says Amy.
She purchased the business in partnership with her sister Sarah eight years ago after store founder Mike Collins passed away.
Amy had worked for Mr Collins since she was 17 and was just 21 years old when she took over. By then Slicks, which was established in 1983, was a landmark business, its concentration having moved into street wear while it continued to maintain a strong denim presence. The balance continues today.
The new store displays labels such as Juliette Hogan, twenty-seven names, Salasai, Maaike, Kowtow, Lover, Chaos and Harmony and Beaucoop footwear and homeware from D.L. and Co.
