A VINTAGE and designer clothing business has seen a seven-fold increase in trade after moving to a new 'prime' location.

Maelhaus, which began life in a boy's bedroom, branched out to a bigger base in The Foregate, Worcester last month and is going from strength to strength.

The business opened in the new premises in October and, just a month on, is doing even better than director Cian MacGabhann envisaged.

READ MORE: Vintage clothing shop set to open 

The 19-year-old said: "It has been really good, way better than I expected.

"We are getting much more footfall than when we were based in the Hopmarket.

"People should go to the Hopmarket more because the businesses sell really cool stuff. 

Worcester News: Maelhaus vintage shop in The Foregate, Worcester Maelhaus vintage shop in The Foregate, Worcester (Image: James Connell)

"But now we're near the High Street and the train station - it has just been perfect.

"It is now six to seven times better in terms of sales.

"It's good to have a small business opening up near the High Street which is sustainably sourced."

He said the items sold were not only more sustainable than 'fast fashion' but, as they were secondhand, helped protect the environment and were also better quality than clothes made today.

He added: "We're going to get vintage football kits in for the World Cup - everything from non-league to international."

Worcester News: Shoes at Maelhaus Shoes at Maelhaus (Image: James Connell)

Maelhaus is the brainchild of a group of entrepreneurial teenagers with an eye on protecting the environment.

The growing business was established by a group of city friends, many of whom attended Worcester Sixth Form College.

They spotted the market for high-quality second-hand clothes including classic garments from the 70s, 80s, 90s, and 2000s which they believe are more stylish and durable than many clothes being made and sold today.

Brands which will feature at the 'sustainable vintage' shop include Supreme, Stüssy, D&G, Arc'teryx, vintage Nike and Adidas.

Vintage music t-shirts are also big sellers while classic football t-shirts from the past are also popular with customers.

Work on the downstairs room is scheduled to be finished in the New Year which will provide a chillout area.

The team also hopes the business can be a platform for bands, musical performers and designs by talented artists, some of which will be displayed in the shop.

He added: "This business started in my bedroom. We want to open shops in London and Bristol.

"However, we want to keep the one in Worcester. I'm from Worcester and we want our flagship store here."

The former Blessed Edwards student said there was already an abundance of high-quality clothing and there was 'no point buying new clothes', especially as the vintage clothing sold there was better quality.

The business was set up by friends Cian MacGabhann, Zak Lange, Sam Hope, Charlie Kerton and Willem Van Der Kleijn.