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About Renes

WELCOME TO RENES FASHION

Renes was born in 1955, at a time when Britain was still healing from war, Churchill was still in office, and women queued with ration books on cold pavements. The world was grey but fashion was ready for colour again. And Renes stepped in to bring that colour, confidence and joy back into women’s lives.

From the very beginning, Renes has been more than a designer ladies’ boutique. Based in the heart of Lancaster, we’ve always believed that choosing clothes isn’t just about what you wear, it’s about how you feel. That belief shaped our approach from day one: personal service, warm guidance, and helping every customer discover pieces that make them shine.

Today, we continue that tradition with a carefully curated selection of clothing and accessories from across the globe, always chosen with style, quality and our customers in mind. Seventy years on, one thing remains unchanged; our simple belief that great fashion begins with great customer care.

Since

1955

The 1950s transformed British fashion. As the country moved from the austerity of the 1940s into the optimism and prosperity of the 1960s, style flourished and so did women’s confidence. Glamour arrived, colour returned, and a new era of self-expression began.

And in 1955, right at the heart of it, Renes was born.

Founded by Irene Newby, alongside her daughters Pamela and later Brenda, Renes quickly became Lancaster’s destination for style, elegance and unforgettable service. The boutiques grew, eventually settling on King Street; a beautiful three-floor fashion haven with a quadruple frontage that became iconic in the region.

Ask any local woman and she’ll tell you:
Renes was where she bought her wedding dress, her first teen outfit, or the piece that made her feel truly herself.
During sale days, the queue wrapped right around the building before the doors even opened. Renes wasn’t just a shop, it was an experience, a rite of passage, and a part of the community’s fabric.

Seventy years later, that foundation of glamour, excitement and customer devotion is still at the heart of everything we do.

Decades have passed, trends have changed, locations have shifted, but Renes has never lost its spark. Now proudly based on Common Garden Street, just a stone’s throw from the original King Street store, Renes remains a vibrant, family-run boutique led into a new era by Tiffany, Irene’s granddaughter.

And in 2025, our story reached a new milestone:
Renes was named “Independent Icon of the Year” by Drapers Magazine, the UK’s most respected authority in fashion retail for over 135 years. This award celebrates boutiques that shape their communities, deliver outstanding customer experience, and stand the test of time. To be recognised in this way after seven decades is an achievement we are incredibly proud of and a testament to the loyalty of our customers.

But the real secret behind Renes’ longevity?
The customer has always come first.

From the beginning, Renes embraced the art of personal shopping long before it had a name. We have always believed that every woman deserves to feel celebrated, listened to, and completely herself. The personal touch may be disappearing on the high street but not here. Not ever.

We care deeply about how our customers feel, and how they want to feel. Our goal is simple:
That you leave Renes with a smile, feeling wonderful, confident, and maybe even a little bit magical.

To everyone who has supported us through the last 70 glittering years… 
thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Your loyalty, friendship and stories are woven into the fabric of Renes.

And to the next chapter…
Long may it last, ladies.

Tiffany joined the business over 10 years ago after a career in banking in London. Fashion is in her blood and comes like a second nature to her, she is passionate about her customers, service and keeping the family business alive.

At Renes, supporting our community has always been stitched into who we are. For 70 years, Lancaster women have supported us, and it’s only right that we continue to give that love straight back. From local charities to grassroots girls’ football teams, from women’s health initiatives to community wellbeing projects, we believe in lifting others up wherever we can.

Whenever we host an event, there’s always a fundraising element woven in. Whether it’s a raffle, donated ticket proceeds, a themed charity day or a contribution linked to one of our promotions, giving back is simply part of the Renes way. Over the years we’ve proudly supported incredible local causes such as St John’s Hospice, CancerCare, and the British Heart Foundation, alongside charity days like our Macmillan Coffee Morning and Breast Cancer Awareness Pink Day.

We’re passionate about getting behind the causes that matter to our customers, helping local families, supporting girls’ and women’s sport, raising awareness for women’s health, and championing the charities that care for our community when they’re needed most. Lancaster thrives because local people and local businesses stand together, and Renes is proud to play its part.

Because at the end of the day, kindness never goes out of fashion.

As we say at Renes…
If you can be anything in the world, be kind.

Stay close to the heart of Renes by joining our community.

Follow us across our social platforms to be the first to see new collections, special offers, exclusive events, and all the sparkle happening in-store.

Because at Renes, staying connected means never missing a moment of style, joy or glamour.