A new women's clothing store offering a more sustainable way of shopping has celebrated a "fantastic" start since opening in Warwick.

Diffuse Retail opened its doors on Smith Street for the first time in November 2023, offering a wide range of brands and products - available to buy or uniquely to rent for an event.

The new shop is run by former marketing executive Hannah Teale who had spotted a change in the way ladies wanted to shop, as they looked to address the environmental impact of adding to their wardrobes.

"I love shopping and fashion, but what I found really interesting was how trends were growing in terms of how sustainable people were trying to become," Hannah told Nub News. 

"People were becoming very aware of the impact on the environment and almost that contradiction of wanting to buy new clothes. 

"There was a tricky middle ground, where women could see the awful impact of the industry on the environment, but then loving the feelings from fashion. 

"It was a tricky line to balance in terms of being sustainable, but still wanting to look good. 

"And of course the rise of social media makes it harder, because you wear something and it is posted all over social media, and you don't feel like you can wear it again."

Diffuse Retail is encouraging ladies to think more about the way they shop (image supplied)

Having taken the plunge to make the career switch, Hannah took the keys to the Smith Street unit last October.

The former decorating outlet and workshop was then given a thorough makeover over the course of a "stressful but enjoyable" few weeks.

And while Hannah is offering lines for sale, she is aiming to bring a fully accessible way of bringing rental shopping to the high street.'

"I looked at the rise of online rental platforms looking to address the issue," she explained. 

"The proposition of rental I love, and it is becoming increasingly popular which is fantastic. 

"But online there are still some drawbacks in terms of sizing, and also wanting to actually try things on and getting the enjoyment of going to a shop."

Diffuse Retail is owned by former marketing executive Hannah Teale (image supplied)

Primarily Diffuse Retail is offering clothing and accessories for party and occasion wear, and has already started to expand its prom range which has been "very popular" already.

Hannah said the shop's name also takes some inspiration from 'diffusion lines' of clothing, which are clothes which are made by high quality brands, but also for the mass market.

She is stocking a lot of these brands meaning you can purchase "something really nice, but you don't have to break the bank for it".

And after just a few weeks of business, Hannah said locals have already started to buy into the concept.

"People have been really receptive so far and are really pleased there is something like this locally," she said. 

"Then other customers have also said to me how it has made them think about things differently, and the way they shop, which is great."

It took just a few weeks to get the unit turned into the new clothing shop (image supplied)

She added: "I also love where we are, it is such a wonderful space. 

"The building is really quirky and has lots of unique features - including a safe we can't get into! 

"And the location is fantastic as well, so I am really happy to be here."

To find out more about Diffuse Retail, visit the website here, or follow on social media.

The shop's name also takes inspiration from 'diffusion lines' of clothing (image supplied)