Despite having no retail experience, Pippa Collidge and Clair McMahon have made a great start to running their own shops.

The two friends both opened stores in High Street, Rottingdean, at the end of last year.

Pippa, who had only moved to the village from Woodingdean a few months before she opened Serendipity Gifts, said: “I did have concerns about opening a shop during the recession but, having been an accountant for five years, I did my sums, and the shop is doing well.

“Christmas was busy for us and we’ve just bought in new stock, including some handmade jewellery and bags.

The 37-year-old added: “Our success is down to the quality and variety of stock. I change the window theme often.

“My customers don’t need to travel into Brighton to pick up gifts. They can shop on their doorstep and they know I will always have something new in.”

For Clair, 36, opening CC Ladies Clothing a few doors down was a dream come true.

She said: “I had my eye on the empty property for about a year before I made my decision.

I did some research, asking people what shop they thought the village needed most. They said Rottingdean was crying out for a female clothes shop, because it’s not had one since 1987.

“When I was offered voluntary redundancy from a firm in London, it was the sign I had been waiting for.

“The shop is proving popular with people in the village, and it means I can spend more time with my two-year-old daughter, Casey.”

Pippa added: “Another key to success is to keep it local. I use a village-based graphic designer and work with other businesses in Rottingdean. I also did a prom event with Frock UK.

“Advice and support from fellow shop owners has been very useful. I love working in the village where I live, with people I have known for many years.”

Bridalwear shop Frock UK, across the road from Serendipity, is now owned by Julie Bitout, who ran the boutique when it was owned by a company called Topaz.

Julie said: “When they decided to sell the branch and offered it to me I didn’t have to think twice.

“I think part of our success is down to excellent service and knowing what’s important to our clients.

“For example, we keep a prombook, which lists details of each dress bought to ensure no two girls go to a prom in the same dress.”

The trio have joined six other successful female business owners who have established themselves in Rottingdean.

Mandy McGovern, who opened the Filf Surf Co shop seven years ago on the seafront, believes the impact of female business owners has been hugely positive.

She said: “I think women provide excellent customer service, and all the shops we run in the village are unique.”

Julie added: “Rottingdean is a changing village.

More exciting shops are being opened by women. The Grange tea garden is run by women and the Art Gallery Café is also mainly run by women.

With the French Bistro also recently opening, we have so much to offer the daytrippers and residents alike.”