THERE was double delight as popular gift shop Authentic in Uppermill moved to larger premises as it celebrated its fifth birthday.
The shop was opened in 2014 by Viki Taylor and husband Dave and was a treasure trove of hand-made and unique items nestled away on Mill Street.
Now a move just around the corner right on to the village high street means the shop has been able to extend over two floors to offer more goodies than ever before.
Viki said: “We were getting so many artisans in and just needed more space for everything! We now have products from over 50 artisans and everything is hand-made and unique.
“We’ve got two floors now, which is great. It gives us a lot more space for products as well as being able to hold workshops.”
The workshops and craft courses, which start in the new year, will include jewellery, ceramics, fused glass, 3D felting, picture felting and soap.
These will complement the array of products on sale, including photography, vases, cushions, home décor, scarves, clothing, candles, cards, natural beauty products, whiskey barrel furniture, soap and jewellery.
And there is a host of festive gits and decorations in store too, ranging from advent calendars to decorations and wreaths.
Local artisans include Woozlewood, Sara Gartside, Bits and Bobbins, Steve Robinson Photography, Wood Dragon Arts, and Olganna.
Viki, often helped in the shop by sons Oscar and Kasper, added: “Buying from local artisans and putting back into the local economy is really important for us.
“It also means nothing is the same or mass produced so each item is individual and special.”
The move tied in with Authentic’s fifth birthday – as well as half term and both Oscar and Kasper being poorly!
“It was a nightmare of a week and we only had four days to move everything from the old shop, set up and open for the launch party,” said Viki.
“I really didn’t think it was going to be sorted on time – but we did it!
“We want to say a really big thank you to all our loyal customers who have supported us over the years. We genuinely couldn’t have done it without you.”
• Visit Authentic at their new premisies at 24 High Street, Uppermill OL3 6HX or call
07305 996 705. They are open seven days a week.
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