If you're fortunate enough to already be a customer of The Queen B in Penarth, you'll know that this haven of style has had a huge makeover recently.

THE QUEEN B

The Queen B was the kind of boutique that women loved before the recent refurbishment but now it's simply superb.

In its commanding position on Penarth's fashionable Stanwell Road, The Queen B has come of age and owner Jodie Tanner's vision has been realised. Previously two units, they have now been tastefully joined and a mezzanine area for occasion wear has been created.

Why is The Queen B such a hit with ladies that shop in the Vale? Quite simply because it gives them exactly what they want. "We don't do the hard sell here," says Jodie, "We listen to our customers - it's as simple as that." And she's right. As I sit watching several ladies browsing through bags, enthusiastically trying on the latest shoes and chatting away with staff, it's clear that there's a real connection between staff and customers, and that's so rare these days.

Whether it's the integrity of the advice, the affordability or the very tastefully designed interior, customers clearly like what The Queen B is offering. "We want customers to feel comfortable. We don't want them to feel they can't come in and browse and leave without buying. Our loyal frequent customers know they can do that," Jodie adds. "And, as our stock sells quickly, we're constantly bringing in new items. There's always something different which is why our customers visit us regularly."

The Queen B has become one of Penarth's (and the Vale's) must visit boutqiues. Why? Because Jodie and her team are offering contemporary, age-appropriate and high fashion clothing for women in a good range of sizes. "We just love people. We invest time in customers and get to know them," says Jodie.

The truth is The Queen B oozes professionalism and it's why this extremely cool boutique is becoming one of South Wales' real success stories. Style is back in fashion and "Affordable style" as Jodie puts it, is even more so.

The Queen B 7- 8 Washington Buildings Stanwell Road, Penarth CF64 2AD 029 2070 0177 www.thequeenb.co.uk Open Monday to Saturday 9.30am to 5pm