Shop Indie owners 'proud' to be expanding gift shop in Chesterfield during fifth year at town centre premises
Owners of an independent gift shop in Chesterfield have announced an expansion to their business ahead of its fifth birthday celebration.
Lisa Swift and John O’Nions, who run Shop Indie on Steeplegate, said: “We are working hard to get everything ready for opening upstairs - we hope that it will be open by the end of October. We're really proud to be expanding Shop Indie.
"We're so grateful that Chesterfield has got behind us, choosing to purchase cards and gifts designed and made here in the UK by small independent businesses. This has meant that we've been able to support more makers but our shop has just reached its capacity - we need more room!
"Over the last five years we've stocked products from over 250 makers from across the UK. This number is increasing all the time - there are so many talented makers and we're always finding new ones offering something a little different.
Lisa and John are inviting people to celebrate Shop Indie's fifth birthday on October 4 and 5 when customers who spend £10 will be able to have a go on a spinner for either a discount or a free goodie bag.
There will be many more birthday celebrations to come at the shop where Lisa and John have just signed a five-year lease renewal.
The couple, who are in their thirties, iive in Chesterfield with their two daughters. They said: “Having both grown up in Chesterfield we're proud to be a part of the wonderful group of independent businesses in the town centre. It is a really supportive group of people which makes running a business here so much easier. The location is lovely too, with Chesterfield being situated right on the doorstep of the Peak District. We have lots of tourists as well as locals who shop with us for products celebrating the local area such as Chesterfield fridge magnets, Peak District postcards and Derbyshire prints.”
Shop Indie opened after Lisa and John, who made greetings cards and other gifts themselves for 10 years, met many talented makers from across the UK. They made a wide range of gifts including jewellery, prints, enamel pins, chocolate, soaps, candles, fashion accessories, greetings cards and so much more which were not available on the high street. Although online shopping was becoming popular, the couple realised that many people still love shopping in person – especially when they want to find something special for a loved one.