Children’s gift store opening at marina
A BRAND new family-run business specialising in gifts for children is set to open at a South Derbyshire beauty spot.
The Fabric Bug specialises in embroidered, personalised fabric gifts for children and is set to open at Mercia Marina, in Willington.
In addition to the personalised gifts, the store will also sell a range of traditional toys in a contemporary design, including wooden toys, soft toys, children’s clothes and nursery décor.
A spokesman said the business has organically grown from a solid start at craft fairs to a shop and studio at the Arts and Crafts Centre in Sherwood Forest, Edwinstowe, Nottinghamshire.
The studio at the centre in Edwinstowe includes the workshop where items are made and personalised on-site. The shop is based in a covered courtyard opposite the new Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre.
Creator Joanne Barker said she got the “craft bug” many years ago and from her studio has been creating bespoke gifts to the “delight of loyal customers and visitors”. She said the bespoke service and range of traditional toys have been well received, and she is now “very excited” to be joining the existing nine independent retailers at Mercia Marina for a “seamless” expansion to a new outlet.
With Still Waters shop moving to a larger unit at the marina, the opportunity presented itself as Joanne was well accustomed to the marina due to her partner Iain’s business, Solutions for Accounting, based in offices above The Boardwalk at the venue.
Joanne said: “The marina is an ideal location for The Fabric Bug as the retail offering at Mercia is very much independents with a likeminded drive and creative mindset to offer a different shopping experience and added value. I have been toying with the idea of growing the business, and am confident that The Fabric Bug will be successful at the marina with its unique offering backed by exceptional customer service.
“I’m absolutely delighted to be situated in such a stunning location and looking forward to showcasing our range of personalised gifts and toys.
“Now is the ideal time as we start the festive run-up to Christmas, and great easy location and free parking is perfect.”
The Fabric Bug is aiming to welcome customers in early December 2022.