Sally Allen-Gerard (pictured centre) outside Rowcroft’s Ella’s Café Lounge and Boutique in Chelston, Torquay, with Rowcroft’s Head of Retail Caroline Wannell and Rowcroft’s CEO Mark Hawkins.
Fashion designer’s substantial donation of brand new clothing
Sally Allen-Gerard, double award-winning local business leader and director of online retailer Sally Allen Fashion, has generously donated her range of ladies and men’s clothing to Rowcroft Hospice. In a move to step away from her highly successful clothing enterprise following the news of a serious illness in the family, the fashion designer has handed over her collection to the hospice to be retailed in Rowcroft’s shops. This is a substantial donation containing hundreds of brand new items including stylish dresses, jackets, jeans, tops, knitwear, shoes and accessories. The stock is expected to generate significant revenue for the hospice to care for patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families across South Devon.
Sally’s difficult decision to close the business
“For personal reasons, I’m unable to give my fashion enterprise the commitment, time and attention it deserves, so I’ve taken the difficult decision to close the business over the coming months,” said Sally. “For many years I have admired the wonderful work of Rowcroft Hospice’s dedicated teams in delivering expert care to our local community, so I’m pleased to donate my stock to this very worthwhile charity. I feel very strongly that good should always come out of bad and hope that my decision can go a little way in helping the continuing development of Rowcroft’s facilities and care.”
Sally Allen Fashion
Sally is a well-known local fashion designer renowned for originating the premium British designer jean brand ‘Wizard’ which took the fashion scene by storm with unique body shaping technology. Following the brand’s success and on moving back to Torquay after years in London, Sally opened a boutique in Torquay selling her own labels and other designer brands such as James Lakeland, Monisque Spain, Peruzzi and Brook Taverner. However, due to Covid and all the problems in Torwood Street, the boutique closed in 2021. Fortunately, the main business had already been well-established and very successful for over 20 years in e-commerce with thousands of customers across the UK and globally. The Sally Allen online fashion collection includes a popular range of Chanel style jackets, fine knit polo sweaters, ruffle shirts, jackets, dresses, silk tops, cotton t-shirts, gilets and many accessories.
Raising funds for the hospice
From early July, Sally Allen Fashion will redirect customers to Rowcroft for any specific product enquiries regarding the stock transferred to Rowcroft’s 15 retail outlets throughout South Devon.
“We’re thrilled to be taking delivery of this wonderful donation of stunning ladies’ and men’s fashion as part of a trading agreement and we’d like to say a huge thank you to Sally for this incredibly generous gesture,” said Rowcroft Hospice’s CEO Mark Hawkins. “The sales of the clothing will raise vital income for the hospice, helping local people with life-limiting illnesses to make every day the best day possible, and supporting families to make the most of every precious moment. We really can’t thank Sally enough for her kindness.”
Sally’s beautiful range of clothing
Rowcroft’s Head of Retail Caroline Wannell said:
“Sally’s fabulous donation includes a glamorous range of gorgeous and chic outfits that are perfect for parties, weddings and other special occasions, as well as classic and elegant work wear and stylish casual wear that’s great for day-to-day use. Our customers will be so excited to see these beautiful items in our stores, knowing that every penny of profit from their purchases goes to support the hospice in caring for local families.”