A brand new boutique hoping to delight customers with unique, artisan gifts and pieces sourced from around the globe will open its doors in County Durham this week.
Hand picked and often handcrafted products from the likes of France, Denmark, Sweden, New York and more will soon be stocked at Freja's Home in Barnard Castle.
The new shop is set to be the latest addition to The Bank just in time for Christmas- expected to open on December 3.
Behind the new shop is Fleur Sanderson, who, alongside her background in manufacturing, is fulfilling a lifelong dream in opening her first shop.
She said: "I think there is a need for people to be able to find beautiful homeware, gifts and furniture that are made in small batches by independent businesses and artisans.
"I speak German and Italian, love Europe, and that attracted me to setting up my own business.
"I found smaller businesses that are just really passionate about what they do. You will find nothing on Amazon similar to what they create."
Inside the new store, customers will be able to pick up candles, napkins, toiletry bags, socks and much more.
The shop itself is also a milestone for Fleur, who was inspired by her dad to one day have her own premises.
She added: "I've wanted to have a shop of my own my whole life. My dad had shops as he was a butcher. I used to go after school and work there.
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"That's where I got the bug - so it has been a long-standing dream, and I've found a lovely unit."
But it's not just her own venture, Fleur is excited about - she's looking forward to joining several small chains already open in the town.
She added: "Barnard Castle is my home town, and I think it's having a bit of a mini retail revival. There are a lot of people trying to run nice businesses there that aren't high street chains.
"It's great to see. The businesses add a bit of colour to the high street.
"People do come to Barnard Castle to shop and look for special little things. Hopefully, we have something for everyone."
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