A new vintage shop specialising in affordable clothing for kids is set to open its doors next month in Durham.
Inky & Co, run by the owners of the well-known vintage clothing company Durham Vintage, is the brainchild of Poppy Solario, 44, and her partner Patrick Fall, 50.
The vintage clothing company has built a strong following over the past four years through their open days in Bishop Auckland.
After working in the vintage clothing business for more than a decade, Poppy started out at markets in Durham before expanding the business.
However, after years of selling affordable adult vintage clothing through their Bishop Auckland warehouse, the couple from Spennymoor noticed increasing demand for children’s clothing and a gap in the market.
Poppy said: “We started off with just a small rail of kids’ clothing mixed in with everything else, and it didn’t really do much at first.
“But then we separated it out a bit, added more to it, and suddenly it just took off. The more we put in, the more it sold, and that’s when I realised there was a need for it.
“I realised I didn’t have enough room to build a whole kids’ clothing side alongside the adult one. So, I said to my partner, for both of our sanity, we need to give this its own space. It’s the only way we can really grow it and do it properly.”
Since the idea was hatched, the couple have now secured a shop in Framwellgate Moor in Durham, which is currently undergoing a full refurbishment before their opening in May next month.
The mum-of-one said: “With this business, it’s going to be a proper shop, open nine to five, somewhere people can just come in whenever they like.
“We really want to build it into something bigger than what we’ve already got.”
A key aim for the new venture is to create a welcoming, family-friendly experience to keep children entertained.
Poppy said: “Shopping with children can be quite a stressful experience, they’re running around and getting bored, and it’s not always enjoyable.
“So, we want to make it somewhere that feels fun for them as well, with things like colouring, games and little areas where they can sit and play while parents have a look.”
The shop will also feature a range of original characters, including Inky the octopus and friends such as Gild the mischievous crocodile and Fig the sporty tiger, designed to bring a sense of personality to the brand, with some designs created by her five-year-old son Louis.
But keeping the clothes affordable remains a central part of her business.
She said: “There’s so much pressure on parents to buy certain brands for their kids, and it can get really expensive.
“What we want to do is offer those same kinds of clothes but at prices people can actually afford, so families don’t feel that pressure as much.”
Looking ahead, Poppy hopes the shop will become a central part of the local community, with plans to work with nearby schools and host events.
Read more
Darlington shop boss left with £1.6k bill as police say smashed window wasn't a crime
Mum-of-three opens brand new 'luxury' beauty salon in Darlington town centre
Much-loved Durham Market stall announces closure after more than a decade of trading
The 44-year-old said: “We don’t just want it to be another shop; we want it to be something families can be part of something that feels exciting and different for Durham.”
While an official opening date in May is yet to be announced, the business has told customers to keep their eyes peeled on social media for future updates.
You can find the new store at 38c Front Street, Framwellgate Moor, Durhan, DH1 5EE.
Share