Fashion shop for breast cancer victims opens in Yorkshire

A WARRINGTON-based supplier of swimwear and lingerie for women who have had breast cancer has opened a new store in Leeds.

Womanzone Distribution, which provides a range of post-mastectomy bras, swimwear and lingerie, is to create four jobs at its new store in Horsforth, Leeds, after gaining funding from NatWest and RBS Invoice Finance.

The company also provides post-operation kits and breast prostheses, which are distributed through NHS Trusts.

The company was set up in 1991 but was taken over by current owners Marita Louis and Lynn Smith in 2008. Marita had previously held a senior position at a competitor business whilst Lynn was a senior manager for a large health authority.
Womanzone, which employs 12 staff, sources its products from the USA.  These are sold online and at the company’s showrooms.  It is also sponsors several fashion shows at locations including Warrington, Bradford and Harrogate.

Director Marita Louis said; “We chose to open a store in Leeds because we receive a lot of enquires from customers who are based in Yorkshire and the North East.

“A key part of our approach is to provide a face-to-face, knowledgeable service and with this in mind it makes sense to provide these customers with a more convenient alternative than travelling across the Pennines to Warrington.  

“It has taken a lot of hard work to reach this position and we are delighted to welcome our first customers.”