This ad will be closed automatically in X seconds.

Brocante Opens A Fifth Gift & Lifestyle Store

With staycationing the name of the game this summer, David Lorimer and Keiron Cockley, who currently co-own four gift shops in Cornwall – Fowey (x2), Mevagissey and St Ives – have taken the decision to open a fifth store in time for the May Bank Holiday tourist rush.

“We feel really positive about the year going forward, so much so that we are opening a new shop in Charlestown near where we live,” David told GiftsandHome.net. “We are taking on an old Methodist chapel so it’s all very exciting. We’re hoping to get the keys by the end of May so that we can capture the summer trade.”

Above: Keirion (left) and David surveying the scene at Charlestown Chapel, where their new Brocante shop will be opening in the next few weeks.
Above: Keirion (left) and David surveying the scene at Charlestown Chapel, where their new Brocante shop will be opening in the next few weeks.

The new shop will be run along the same lines as Brocante’s other four shops. “We’ve got great brands and great support from our brands,” continues David. “We will be doing gifts, clothing, furniture etc., and because of the larger space at Charlestown, we will be able to have bigger pieces of furniture. We’re excited about this new venture and the space is very different for us. We have a really good following from our customers and that will be key for us. As this is the first shop we have with no window frontage, we’re going to have to be creative outside, and also rely on our reputation.”

Above: One of two Brocante stores in Fowey.
Above: One of two Brocante stores in Fowey.

Taking about business in general this year, David added: “we missed out on Easter, but since we re-opened last month, trade has been really steady. We won’t get manic until the end of May Bank Holiday but that’s normal. Nevertheless, business should pick up from next Monday (May 17), when people can finally stay in hotels, airbnbs, campsites etc.”

In addition, David and Keiron have taken on the distributorship of David Fussenegger blankets for the UK and Eire through their other business, La Cote.

Above: A striking David Fussenegger blanket.
Above: A striking David Fussenegger blanket.

“It’s a gorgeous Austrian brand we have stocked for a long time and as the previous distributors were giving it up, we decided to take it on, as we wanted to keep it in the UK,” David explained.

 

 Top: David Lorimer (left) and Keirion Cockley are shown outside the Methodist church in Charlestown that will be transformed into a fifth Brocante store this month.

MORE NEWS
PGHBarometer
 
Now in its 19th year, PG&H’s unique, annual survey delves into the trials, tribulations and triumphs of independent gift retail, with environmental matters high on the agenda for gift retailers...
1
 
The conference will be taking place at London’s Royal Geographical Society on 5 November...
2-The Benevolent Society-15
 
Financial assistance is available for gift industry folk to include retailers, suppliers, reps and agents as well as those starting out or progressing their career journey...
4
 
The company will be unveiling a brand new range of seasonal free-standing display units, (FSDUs), tailored to key seasonal events...
3
 
Boots, Dunelm, Lululemon, Matalan, MINISO and Poundland are among the new retailers participating...
GreatsJeyes
 
“What an honour”, “very thrilled”, “beyond delighted” and “a fantastic achievement” were among the many comments that are still pouring in from Greats finalists...
Get the latest news sent to your inbox
Subscribe to our daily newsletter

The list doesn't exist! Make sure you have imported the list on the 'Manage List Forms' page.