I opened Courtyard way back in 1996 a couple of years after I had moved to the Guildford area. The shop was positioned in delightful cobbled courtyard just off the high street hence the name. I had always had a huge love of fashion and was particularly interested in new up and coming designers and wanted to open a store that would inspire customers and hopefully get them to experiment with new ideas and looks.
Guildford at the time was quite a traditional market town! The formula worked and we were soon welcoming clients not only from the local area but from all over the country and abroad. We began to get noticed and won a few awards and write ups in national papers and in 2017 won the award for The Best Independent Womenswear store in the United Kingdom. I have a wonderful team working with me who are knowledgeable and very approachable. We will always offer a warm welcome to our customers but make a point of not being pushy! My manageress Susie Smith has been with me throughout the whole journey aswell as Pam Hutchins who works part time so we really are like a family.
Each season I will search for new designers aswell as keeping to our most popular brands. I am particularly interested in seeking out ethical and sustainable collections and these are becoming more and more available . I hope you enjoy our website. It is has become more and more important over the years and a great place to see what we are stocking before coming into the store or alternatively purchasing from home.