THE owner of Loncherie, an independent lingerie and swimwear store in Farnham’s Downing Street, has revealed how she has adapted her business to keep pace with the changes in people’s shopping habits.

Having worked in retail for more than 20 years, in 2010 Nicola Hansford decided to open her own lingerie shop.

Despite taking the plunge in the midst of a harsh recession and at at time when well-known retailers were disappearing from the High Street, Loncherie has survived and celebrated its fifth birthday this month.

Commenting on her success, Nicola said:”Five years ago Loncherie was one of several lingerie specialists in the area, now it is just one of three.

“As a destination shop, I find that many of my customers live quite some distance away. This usually means they visit a couple of times a year and make multiple purchases.

“Knowing that ladies are spending longer in our shop, we have responded to the needs of their husbands and partners by installing a cosy waiting area on our first floor. The gents can sit in comfort, enjoy a cup of complimentary tea or coffee, and surf the net using our free wi-fi.

“To survive, shops need to look after their customers and we do this by providing quality products and a very caring and personal service.”

Recognising the part technology has to play in retail, Loncherie has also invested in providing an equally satisfactory online experience.

Nicola continued: “Although online will never be a substitute for coming into the store and being professionally measured and fitted for a bra, we do recognise that people are taking more time to plan and research their purchases.

“Our website provides more information about our products, style tips and suggestions for complementary items. Online is convenient and popular with our time-strapped customers and means we can be open for them seven days a week, 24 hours a day.”

To celebrate its fifth birthday and to thank customers for their support, Loncherie held a birthday party complete with a professional lingerie model to show some of this season’s latest styles, as well as drinks, light refreshments, and a luxury lucky dip.

Nicola added: “To have achieved five years of trading during one of the most tumultuous times in retail history feels like quite an achievement. I would like to thank everybody who has supported us.”