Norfolk's best boutiques and loveliest labels by Sarah Cassells.
Talking Shop
Discover Pollard & Read, the Rigby & Peller of Holt. Company director Lindsay Furniss explains why visiting is an uplifting experience.
What inspired you to open the boutique?I have been running The Tannery in Holt, a specialist leather goods shop, for the past three years. When the perfect premises for a lingerie business became available, I jumped at the chance of opening Pollard & Read. I was fortunate to have manager Hilary Harmer already working with me as she has a background in lingerie and is fully qualified to help customers.
What's the Pollard & Read style? We aim to have something for everybody and have a vast range of brands, including Marie Jo, Freya, Chantelle, Panache and Ted Baker. Our products are stylish as well as practical, including first bras, maternity lingerie, sports and mastectomy underwear, nightwear and swimwear.
What's your bestseller? The Marie Jo Avero range, as it includes halterneck, strapless and push-up styles in cognac or white. It's a very flattering, pretty collection that fits really well. Which three pieces are essential buys from Pollard & Read's current collection?Fantasie is very popular because it comes in a wide range of sizes. I would also recommend the cotton "Laura" nightshirt from Moon River nightwear because it's lovely to touch, and Hanro's everyday cotton camisole because it's one of our bestsellers.
What is the price range in the store? Most bras range from �25 to �65, but we have some first bras and a basics range that are below this level.
Who are your favourite designers? With lingerie, it is so much about individual fit and comfort, as well as style, but I suppose there are a number of us who appreciate Spanx products for what they can do to smooth and flatter!
What are your other interests? I like to spend free time with my family, walking the dog on Wells beach, meeting up with friends, taking trips to art galleries and travelling.
Pollard & Read, 36 High St, Holt, NR25 6BH, 01263 714011; www.pollardandread.co.uk
