Katie, owner of Ghost Stock Clothing, in a recent interview offers an honest account of what drove her to kick start her independent venture, quit her full-time job and start this crazy new adventure. If you are yet to hear about Ghost Stock Clothing, you can find Katie and her store on the cobbles of the Underbanks right in the heart of Stockport.
Stockport prides itself on its shop small, love local motto and Ghost Stock Clothing is a prime example of this. An independent, affordable store that sells unique, one-of-a-kind fashion statement pieces.
Katie’s Story
What is Ghost Stock Clothing?
Ghost Stock Clothing is a unique blend of street and skate brands.
What was the vision behind it?
Ghost Stock Clothing was created off the back of a vivid dream for someone who never remembers dreams. Or dreams at all.
Back in November 2023, in this dream, I was selling clothes. Clothes that I liked, clothes that didn't have a place yet. Clothes that were not on the high-street. Clothes that not everyone has. Clothes that are of good quality. Clothes that have had longevity in their space in fashion/sport, at reasonable prices.
What did you want to achieve from it?
A space you can walk into with a tenner in your pocket, or a pocket as deep as the ocean. There is something for everyone. And everyone is welcome through the door, with a warm welcome.
Stocking 1 or 2 of the same item, but different sizes, that was the goal.
This way, this keeps the stock fresh for our local regulars who live within the town and also knowing you are not going to see 5 other people in the same piece. What's not to love?
What drove you to do it?
I had always wanted to be a business owner. Hospitality trained for 15 years but that dream was fading fast as working in a kitchen at the time and seeing the effects of costs rising behind the scenes was devastating from the back of the cost of living.
Well, was this a sign? Or a sign of a Manic episode I was about to dive into.
When it comes down to the wire, do I want to be a say-er or do-er. Forever I am a do-er. I would rather try than nothing at all and live with the 'I wish I did this'.
Life is too short and the worlds too big.
So, I put my idea to work and put a huge clothes order in the next day - from XS - XXL. I had no more excuses.
Tenacious by nature, by the 1st of December, I had the keys to a beautiful shop on the Underbanks, Lower Hillgate.
The date of the 15th for opening.
Serving my notice as a chef in the day whilst in the evening building, painting, ordering, cleaning.
I kept curating the collection through the 3 weeks, sourcing unusual, retro inspired clothing from -Adidas Originals - HUF - Thrasher - Nike - Vans. Bold prints, off the beaten track, individual. The literal dream was coming together as my eyes were blinking.
When did you officially open your doors?
On the 15th of December we officially opened the doors to Ghost Stock Clothing. I haven't looked back since. It has been met with great support from the shop keepers and positive feedback and success from the community of Stockport, Ghost Stock Clothing has made a home within the cobbles.
What inspires you to carry on?
The spirit between shopkeepers is such a supportive network, and I am so grateful to have some amazing businesses around me. We support each other and are collectively always striving more to put Stockport on the map.
If visiting Stockport, pop in and say hello to Katie. She’ll appreciate the support and greet you with the warmest welcome!
For all other things Stockport related you may also be interested in An Independent Guide to Stockport.
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