The family business that puts mums first
Twenty years in the hotel industry, a family working the shop floor and a knowledge of occasionwear for mothers of the bride and groom that’s second to none. Sisters Pauline and Louise built Catwalk Falkirk from a local boutique into one of the UK’s largest occasionwear destinations – and they still call each other daily on the drive home.
When Pauline and her sister Louise decided to open Catwalk Falkirk in 2004, they were taking a big leap. Twenty years in the hotel industry, working for their parents, had given them an eye for service and a feel for what people need when they want to feel looked after. When their parents retired and a local shop became available, the timing felt right.
What began as a local ladieswear boutique has grown, over two decades, into one of the UK’s largest occasionwear destinations, with mothers of the bride and groom travelling from across the country to find their outfit. “I’ve always had an eye for style and love working with the public,” says Pauline.
It still maintains that family feeling though. Pauline and Louise still work on the shop floor alongside Pauline’s daughter Janine and Louise’s daughter Ailie. Most of the wider team have been there for years. “It definitely feels more like an extended family,” Pauline smiles.
Despite spending all day together, the pair often find themselves calling each other on the drive home. “There’s always something else to plan,” they laugh. They socialise and holiday together too, with their husbands, parents and extended family whenever they can. They’re still the best of friends as well as sisters.
Since opening Catwalk more than two decades ago, it’s clear to the duo that the way mums approach occasionwear shopping has shifted noticeably. “They really do their research now, online via social media, reading advice in wedding magazines or attending wedding exhibitions.”
Where once the brief was classic and traditional, Catwalk’s customers are now choosing contemporary silhouettes, vibrant jewel tones and modern designers. The range reflects that – John Charles, Veni Infantino and Maisoniël among them, covering everything from intricate embellishment to flowing, understated elegance.
Catwalk has won Scotland’s Best Mum Retailer on multiple occasions; something Pauline attributes to the team’s consistency rather than any single gesture. The measure of it, she says, is the number of customers who come back. Not just for the next wedding in the family, but because the experience felt worth returning to.
Day-to-day, Pauline is often in front of the camera presenting the latest collections with styling advice, while Louise works behind it making reels and answering enquiries. They agree that “teamwork makes the dream work.”
If there’s one thing the duo wish they could tell mums before they step through the door, it’s this: “Whilst there’s no right or wrong time to start searching, we always recommend visiting in the early part of the year when the new spring/summer collections are delivered. A second collection arrives in June/July, which is ideal for autumn/winter weddings. But lots of styles are transitional and perfect for any season.”
Catwalk stocks styles from size 8 to 24 and exclusivity is important. “We generally only get one in each size, so shopping early in the season is key to get the biggest choice of styles and sizes,” they advise.
“I’ve always had an eye for style and love working with the public.” – Pauline
