Well-rounded offering of gifts
A SHOP which sells North Eastthemed gifts has opened at the Spanish City Dome in Whitley Bay.
For the Love of the North, run by Paul and Lucy Hull, already has three sites – one in Whitley Road, Whitley Bay, another in Corbridge and the third at the Stack in Newcastle city centre.
Now, the couple have set up a new base inside the landmark Grade II-listed building, which reopened to the public last year after a major restoration project.
The Dome has cafes, restaurants, a champagne bar and function space.
The gift shop is offering visitors something different – presents, prints and cards all sourced directly from artists in the North East.
Paul said: “We are absolutely chuffed to bits to be able to open at the Spanish City Dome, which is such an iconic landmark.
“It has a lot of history and so many people have an affinity with it.
“Lots of people have happy memories of coming here, from those who did their courting here many years ago to those who enjoyed the funfair.
“Now the new generation is embracing it as well.
“To be here, part of the Dome when it’s back open, and showcasing the work of local artists and crafts people – it’s a real honour and a privilege.”
The shop began life as an online operation in February 2017. When the business flourished, the couple were able to open their first three stores. They began their journey with a few artists but have now grown to include more than 70, who all celebrate different aspects of the North East.
In addition, Paul and Lucy give part of their profits to charities.
Around 5% of profits from their own branded products go to St Oswald’s Hospice, 5% of the Hyem range goes towards the People’s
Kitchen and 5% of the coastal range they’re developing goes to the RNLI lifeboat charity.
They also hold a monthly Macmillan Cancer coffee morning and are committed to Smart Works, an initiative that helps women to reach success in job interviews.
Meanwhile, the business has been shortlisted for the national Best Small Shops 2019 competition, put together by the Independent Retail Confederation.
Paul and Lucy have been invited to a reception at the House of Commons on November 5 where the winner will be announced.
The store was also previously included in the shortlist of the Top 50 Great Northerners by Northern Soul, which promotes culture and enterprise in the region.
And Timeout.com listed the Whitley Bay shop in a list of 11 ‘must-see’ things to do for visitors to the area.