A YOKER man has told of how he turned ‘retirement boredom’ into one of Clydebank’s newest businesses.

Paul Colvin had been working in building maintenance with the NHS before retiring last year, however, the 69-year-old said he quickly grew bored and felt he “needed something to do”.

Inspiration struck after a trip to the Barras in Glasgow earlier this year and a couple of weeks later Paul set up Axil’s Closet.

Clydebank Post: Lots on offer Lots on offer (Image: Newsquest staff)

The business offers a variety of designer clothes at budget prices and is based at the Clydebank Co-operative building on Chalmers Street.

Paul told the Post that his motivation is to make fashion accessible to all.

He said: “I was bored in retirement and I wanted something to do. One of my favourite past times was taking a walk up to the Barras and wandering around there.

“I came back one day around six months ago and thought I want my own stall, but what could I sell?

“I looked in my house and there were some women’s clothes which I’d bought as presents.

"I noticed a lot of the customers at the Barras were women so I decided to build on this collection of clothes using part of my pension.

“A couple of people asked if I’d considered a concession in the co-op in Clydebank. So I went down and discussed it with them and they were happy to take me on.

“I’ve been here a month now and it’s been great, I just want people to be able to access high-end clothes without breaking the bank.”

So why fashion?

Paul told the Post that prior to working in building maintenance he spent nearly four decades in London as a buyer for big companies including Greenhams and the MS Society.

Over the past six months, he said he has used his buying expertise to secure deals and now has a catalogue of more than 500 items which he sells at a dramatic markdown.

Clydebank Post: Paul is based at Clydebank Co-operativePaul is based at Clydebank Co-operative (Image: Newsquest Staff)

Paul added: “I used some of my pension money to buy these high-end dresses and I’m getting good deals.

“I’ve been using my buying expertise, which sounds posh, but I’m really just using my experience and the tips that I was given in the industry.

“I’ve bought stock from businesses that were closing down including a woman in Aberdeen who made bridesmaid and prom dresses.

“I’ve had help from my sisters in determining whether or not it was worth stocking certain things. Seeing the smile on people’s faces when they walk out with a £250 dress for £25 makes it all worth it.”