A launch party for a second-hand, used and vintage clothing store in Margate will take place next Friday (June 13).
‘howiya’ is a new venture for fashion enthusiast and former hospitality worker Tim Powell – with the shop name reflecting his Irish twang.
The 37-year-old, who originates from Kildare near Dublin, is taking a step forward after running stalls for his unisex clothing at the Cliffs in Cliftonville Margate Bazaar events.
The shop is a move away from Tim’s hospitality background although he is hoping to bring some of those customer service skills to bear.
Tim said: “It’s something I have been interested in for a long time. Myself and a friend used to design T shirts in school, about 20 years ago, and I have been in the industry a little bit at various times.
“’howiya!’ will be the greeting waiting for people when they come into the shop, it’s just “how are you” in my Irish twang.
“I have been collecting stuff for a while now and then a friend of mine put me in touch with Marcus who has the old antiques shop in King Street.
“He wants someone to look after it for a while so I jumped at the chance.”
Tim and his partner, musician Meg Bird, moved to the isle from London a few years ago after travelling down for numerous holidays.
Tim said: “We have always holidayed here since I moved over (from Ireland). We have some connections in the area and always enjoyed being down here and thought it could be our life, so we did it!”
Tim made the move from Ireland to the UK nine years ago to take the role as a restaurant manager in London.
He said: “I have worked in in restaurants in London, Dublin, here there and everywhere. I hope to bring some of those hospitality skills to the shop, I want it to be approachable, a bit of fun and a nice place.
“It is an idea I had been playing with for about a year, collating all the stuff and looking at shops. But because we were in the missile of trying to buy a house we thought maybe we’d wait until we’d done that. It hasn’t happened yet so now we are trying to do both at the same time. It’s all exciting!”
The howiya launch party is being held on Friday 13th June from 6pm-8pm. There will be carefully handpicked clothing, drinks and baked goods from Big Shot.
The shop at 30 King Street, Margate, will be open Thursdays to Sundays from 11am–5pm.
Find it on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howiyaclothing/
Great. Wishing the business much success 🤞
Will he display opning times when the shop is closed? I strolled all the way from Margate Station to Northdown Road Tesco (first time in years) a couple of days back. Pretty much every interesting-looking shop shut – and you have to be psychic to find out when they’re next open!
Everybody heard you were coming so they closed, Peter.
LOL @ Will
Next time you’re around that way pop into The Tap Room, Price’s Avenue. Great little bar.
I only really drink (very occasionally) if they do nice food too. That said, I’d settle for a pork pie with mustard if anywhere still did such a thing!