IN BARRY lies a hub of independent retailers offering customers a variety of unique goods.
Located on Holton Road, The Independents Emporium is bringing independent traders to the town’s high street.
Most recently a surf shop, Hex surf Independents, has opened in the basement of the Emporium by James Hay. The store sells skateboards and scooters, and sells and repairs surf boards.
James Hay repairing a board. Picture: Lauren Hay
Mr Hay's wife Lauren rents the building and allows traders to hire an area to sell their stock.
Mrs Hay, owner of Wild and Wicked Things in the Emporium said: “Throughout the building you find little niche goods that can’t be replicated.
James Hay in his store. Picture: Lauren Hay
“My store sells a range of different things, from crystals and home wear, to up-cycled furniture.
“It’s a shop that makes everyone happy, everyone comes in and says 'oh it’s such a vibe in here'.
A glance into Lauren's store. Picture: Lauren Hay
“I love owning it because I get to sell everything that I like.
“I always said my favourite thing about being on holiday was the little gift shops - the crystals, incenses and little knick-knacks – I tried to replicate this in my store.”
Mrs Hay opened the space in April, after starting off as a plant shop nearly two years ago at a different retail space.
Recently Karry’s Deli, in Park Crescent, has been providing the Emporium with vegan goods to cater for a range of people.
Close up on some of the jewellery on offer. Picture: Lauren Hay
Mrs Hay said: “It is so nice having all little businesses all together, the premises give people a place to start their own businesses.
“We get to support each other, you can find so many different things in one shop.
“It’s been hard recently especially with the price of electrics; people are being tighter with what they spend their money on.
"The rent is a lot of money."
Inside Sweet Magnolia picture: Lauren Hay
Inside the Emporium lies:
- Bloomin Barry - dried flowers, gift Island upcycling and recycling storage;
- Vicki voos driftwood art;
- Truly pudding design - resin jewellery;
- Art store - Hazel Mitchel;
- By Claire hampers;
- Stitched by Dale - all things stitched;
- Art store - Beryl;
- Love lashes;
- Ivy melts - candles and wax melts;
- Sweet magnolias - clothing;
- Fossils;
- Annie Sloan paint Crystal;
- Downstairs in the basement lies Hex surf Independents.
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