In this economy, people are starting to make back-up plans for their retirement years.That’s exactly what Angela and Dean Cox are doing by pursuing their dream of owning a retail store in Hamilton.Unorthodox thinking, perhaps, in light of today’s economy but in 2009, times weren’t as tough as they are now and the opening of their women’s and men’s clothing boutique, Klimaxx Boutique, went well.The husband and wife team both have full-time jobs (painting and law enforcement, respectively) outside of the shop, however, they knew a time would come when the physicality of their careers would force them to retire.“For us the idea came as a huge consideration as we grow older we want to plan for our future, the thought of one of us retiring and what to do,” said Mr Cox. “I, for one, certainly knew my wife is the type of individual that wouldn’t want to stay home all day and that’s when we drifted with the idea to start our own business.”Owning a shop where they could spend their time, energy and passion was what they wanted.From teens to adults, Klimaxx offers a young, trendy, funky mix of men’s and women’s clothing in a wide range of sizes. The store also sells shoes, fashion accessories, jewellery, the odd vintage piece and specialises in PZI jeans, which are designed to fit women with fuller hips and a curvy bottom. Sizes range from four to 18 and up to 24 by request.In late May, the owners moved the shop from Court Street to Reid Street, across from Music Box and now resides in the space that was formerly the dry cleaners.The space has been completely renovated, designed by Mr Cox — from the lighting, wall colour and custom epoxy flooring to the stone covered front desk with the chandelier hanging overhead.“We chose the wall colour to be black because it’s daring,” Mr Cox said of the modern decor of the new store.The new location on Reid Street has provided more foot traffic for the store and a fresh start.It’s all in the family for Klimaxx — with Mr Cox’s sister Melanie, who has a background in fashion, as the assistant manager, and their college-aged son, DeUndae, who helps bring a younger eye to their buying trips.“Angela is more on the sophisticated side, Mel enjoys selecting the funky and wild attire, DeUndae has a trendy style and I basically flow all in — between our combined different taste in style and the grace of God, this has led us, so far, to a successful business,” he said.The boutique also only brings in three items in each size, keeping their stock intentionally small so that customers know that they will be the only ones at the party with that particular dress or shirt and the store without the burden of unsold items.“For formal events, we always ask customers where they are going and take note of it so people won’t be wearing the same thing,” said Mrs Cox.Starting a small business, particularly selling retail, is a considerable risk but the couple said their decision to continue on and move to a new location was a “leap of faith”.“When we were debating on whether we should start this business, it wasn’t a really good time as the economy has just started to go down hill and in the back of our minds, we knew it was a risk factor but there was something inside of me that was constantly reaching for that special thing that will light me up and make my soul dance,” explained Mr Cox.The shop is a labour of love for this couple who have been married for 17 years.“This hasn’t been an easy road, but a learning tool,” said Mr Cox. “It’s not as easy as it may look, you definitely lose a source of relaxation, especially because we have other jobs which we have to separate the two.”Their advice for others that want to create an alternative future for their retirement years?“If it’s your dream and your passion, then follow it. Just have someone strong there to back you up,” said Mrs Cox, referring to her husband. “It’s not an easy road — start small and then grow. It has its hardships but it has its rewards.”Klimaxx Boutique currently holding a 60 percent off sale and is located at 51 Reid Street, open from Monday-Saturday, 10am-6pm.They can be contacted via phone: 297-6872, e-mail: klimaxxboutique@northrock.bm or via their Facebook page under Klimaxx Bermuda.