With the Eid festival within the next month, one online retailer established by a Blackburn entrepreneur is already taking orders.

But the business has had to make a lot of sacrifices since it began.

Like a lot of small independent businesses, Rajas & Ranis, the UK’s only boutique dedicated solely to children’s ethnic wear was hard hit by the recession.

The boutique which specialises in Indian wear for boys and girls aged one to 16 years made the decision to revert to trading online at rajasandranis.com only after closing their boutique in Preston late last year.

Owner Shaheda Chand-Suleman explains it was a difficult decision that wasn’t taken lightly.

“This was especially difficult given their valuable loyal customer base that the company has built up over the past five years.”

She is confident however, that the style and quality of their garments is what sets Rajas & Ranis apart from others and that’s what customers have come to expect and receive from shopping with the kids’ retailer.

She said: “Having previously shopped at the boutique many parents know our products and are happy to shop online as they can be confident they are buying a beautiful piece of clothing that is both stylish & good value for money.”

The period in the run-up to the Eid festival which takes place at the end of the month is always one fo the busiest.

One of the traditions is for children to be bought new clothes.

She said: “A large part of our business is from returning customers that want something that will set their child apart from the crowd, and with a Rajas & Ranis outfit they certainly do that!”

And as overheads for trading online are generally lower, it means the boutique can pass on discounts to its customers.