Festive Faces: Independent fashion boutique urges support for the town centre as it tries to improve
This week, the Chronicle & Echo is bringing you five features to meet the owners behind some of Northampton town centre’s innovative businesses as we count down to Christmas.
In collaboration with the Northampton Town Centre Business Improvement District (BID), the aim of the Festive Faces campaign is to shed light on the passion that goes into running an independent and the variety on offer if you visit the heart of town.
With Christmas less than two weeks away, there is no better time to support the town’s businesses to sustain what is available as we approach 2026.
For our third story in the Festive Faces campaign, we spoke to Tracey Faulkner – the owner of Renee’s in Guildhall Road, which has been open for around three decades.
Tracey took over the independent fashion boutique at the heart of the Cultural Quarter around half-a-decade ago. She could not pass up the opportunity to take over the shop, having previously worked in the technical side of the fashion industry.
The store stocks under-the-radar designer brands and is proud to be a destination shop that people intentionally travel for. Tracey is pleased when passersby pop in for a mooch around too.
When asked what feedback Renee’s has recently received from the Northampton community, and what they like most about the offering, Tracey said: “The variety of different types of fashion and the difference in pricing, with high-end and affordable options that are no different to high street prices.”
Tracey wants to dispel some people’s incorrect perception that everything in Renee’s is expensive due to its title as a boutique.
The owner is proud to offer a warm welcome and personal service, by being as hands-on as customers want. The team enjoys helping people step outside their comfort zone by suggesting they try on something they would never choose, which often makes them “light up”.
“The Cultural Quarter is a lovely area and there’s not vast amounts of retail outlets,” said Tracey. “We’re not in the hustle and bustle of the main high street, or go undetected among the throng of other businesses.”
The business owner’s favourite thing about running a shop in Northampton town centre is the variety of people she has met from all walks of life, some of whom she would never have met otherwise.
“If you want something a little bit different, we’re the place to come,” said Tracey. “We are always honest and give a warm welcome. It’s a safe zone.”
Tracey shared there is plenty in store in the run up to Christmas, with a wide range of accessories, jewels to add sparkle at Christmas, warm coats, boots, and sequin skirts that everyone reaches for during the festive season.
Looking to the future of Renee’s, Tracey’s hope is that people will adopt a positive attitude towards Northampton town centre and pay a visit to the variety on offer – including independent boutiques, gifting stores and restaurants.
“The town centre is trying to lift itself,” she said. “We can’t continue to be open if people don’t support the town and its businesses. It’s a choice you make.”