“There were really hardly any mobile phones, no real use of the Internet – and the A22 motorway ended east of Albufeira! Of course, there were very few flights between here and the UK compared to today, and what with all those changes, shopping habits have changed hugely as well.
“ However, for a small business such as mine, there are still crucial things which one must offer, such as personal care and attention, coupled with high quality and good value. I very much rely on the good relationships I have built with my suppliers to bring over the right clothes at the price for the way we live here. I sell a lot of pure cotton pieces as well as other fabrics which suit the climate, and of course we like brighter colours here than in northern Europe.”
Collections imports clothes from all over Europe, including France & Scandinavia, as well as the UK, and is the exclusive outlet on the Algarve for all her suppliers. With a shop in Carvoeiro, and a regular monthly rota of venues from Praia da Luz to Almancil and as far as Tavira, Alison is able to take the strain of bringing the clothes to nearby outlets for almost everybody.
“While spring 2015 has seen an unprecedented demand for the cotton trousers, cut-offs and shorts I stock, I now have a fabulous range of cotton dresses in both long and short styles, and at 49.50€ to 59.50€ they are really great value. I also have a range of styles of swimsuits, and stock clothes from a UK size 8 to 22 or 24.”
Recent exchange rates have caused problems for some with incomes in Sterling, but Alison will always accept payment in Sterling cash or cheques, and is currently doing so at a rate of 1.45€ to £1.
Please see the advert on page 40 to find out where Alison will be over the course of the next week.
Visit our stand #71 at the International Algarve Fair at the Fatacil Fairgrounds in Lagoa on 6 and 7 June .

For more information tel: 282358014 or email: greening@sapo.pt