IT'S a small Teignmouth shopping street dominated by women.

They run the majority of shops, and most of the customers are female.

Four of the businesses in Hollands Road have lady owners, and one of them, Jo Crowley, 37, who has a fashion boutique, says it is pure coincidence that so many women are congregated in the same area.

'Two of us only started up this year, and although a lot of people said we were taking a big gamble in the current economic downturn, we are surviving, but it is tough,' she said.

'We all get on really well, and our customers like dealing with other women, who know what they want.'

The other three are Olga Holding, 40, who set up her ladies' gym this year; Cora Sydenham, 43, who has a hairdressing salon, and Ann-Marie Robertson, the youngest at 26, who runs a nails and beauty parlour.