ADVERTISING FEATURE: Barbara Grogan is a woman who likes a challenge and opening her own business was high on her “to do” list for years.

At the end of last year, after carrying out her own research and with the backing of her family, she took the plunge and opened Horsham’s only independent men’s clothing shop.

James Clothing is still in its early days but Barbara is encouraged by the reception she has had from people in the area and other traders in and around North Street.

From ordering stock to window dressing and from cleaning to greeting and serving customers, Barbara does it all.

She said: “To make the business unique I only sell brands that are not sold elsewhere in Horsham. When it comes to women’s clothes there are plenty of shops to choose from, but until I opened the shop, there was nothing aimed at men, apart from the chain stores.

“I knew it was going to be hard work but I like hard work. I have to do everything so I’m always busy. The best part of the job really has to be meeting people and talking to them about fashions and styles. That’s part of customer service and if you don’t get that part of the business right you might as well not bother. A bad experience will put people off for ever.”

The shop has fashions for men of all ages, from 14-year-olds to pensioners, with most customers fitting into the 25-55 bracket. The naming rights went to Barbara’s four-year-old son, but when it came to help in getting the project off the ground it was husband Nick and daughter Ashlea who proved to be a tower of strength.

arbara said: “You need your family to be on your side when you’re doing something like this. It was all new to me. The only retail experience I’d had was working part-time in a bookshop, so I owe them a great deal for their help, patience and for their faith in me.”

The shop stocks labels that aren’t available elsewhere in Horsham, such as French Connection and Jack & Jones and the look is very much smart-casual, from jeans and chinos to jumpers and jackets.

“Our best sellers at the moment are chinos, polo shirts and T-shirts but fashions change and the weather can have a big effect on what sells so next month that could well change.”

James Clothing has already made an impact on the local business scene, having won the fashion category in the 2011 Horsham Unlimited Dressed for Success Business Awards.

Watch out for the Italian festival in Horsham town centre on Easter Monday bank holiday, April 9.