FOUR friends who met at a vintage fair six years ago have joined forces to open a vintage shop in Southend “with something for everyone”.

By the Sea Vintage, in Alexandra Street, Southend is being set up by the vintage-loving friends.

Fiona Foster, Lin Donlan, Sarah Greenwood and Jane Wakelin, who all met on the vintage fair circuit, say the surge in interest and lack of other similar outlets make this perfect time to open.

There is a soft launch next Friday with an invite-only party next Saturday.

Events manager Sarah Greenwood said: “It has long been a dream of ours to have a shop where we can sell our collections of vintage items including ladies and menswear, shoes and bags, jewellery and accessories plus homewares, kitchen items and furniture.

“There will be such a range of items, so there is something for everyone.

“Vintage items will date from the 1930’s through to the 1990’s and there will also be a selection of vintage inspired and handmade items and unusual gifts available to buy - all perfect for Christmas.

“Both Southend and Leigh have a very active and vibrant community of lovers of all things vintage but this will be the first shop of it’s kind to open in Southend.

“By the Sea Vintage hopes to attract people of all ages who like to buy original items that are a bit different from the run of the mill high street shops and also appeals to individuals who like to buy sustainably.

“Buying Vintage and secondhand is the ultimate green activity.”

She said young people are keen to wear and buy vintage clothes and is confident the shop will be a success.

The group plan to maintain their stock by purchasing clothes and other items online and at charity shops and fairs.

Each of the women specialises in their own area, with Fiona offering jewellery and accessories and Sarah working on women’s clothes.

Lin specialises in men’s clothes and Jane is an expert in kitchen and larger items.