A family-run fidget toy shop in Darlington, born from a TikTok lockdown idea, has been named among the finalists in The Northern Echo’s Best Independent Retailer 2026.
Funky Fidgets Shop, on Borough Road, started when founder 16-year-old Alex Stubbs began selling fidget toys online during the Covid-19 lockdown, before growing it into a full-blown shop which now attracts customers from across the country.
Since opening two years ago, the business has gone from strength to strength, with Alex’s mum, Melissa Brunskill, having quit her job in 2021 to support the shop full-time.
The toys range from teddies to putties, lanyards, joke toys, poppers and more, which are used for fun but are also often used as sensory objects for the SEN community.
The brand has built a large online following, with hundreds of thousands of TikTok followers and an online store that sends parcels as far as Australia.
Funky Fidgets has now become known for its two-hour queues outside on busy days, and Melissa says the level of demand still feels “surreal”.
She said she felt “honoured” that the business had made the Best Independent Retailer top ten.
Melissa said: “We are honoured to be in that top ten. We were not even aware we had been put forward, so to find out we are up there with the other finalists is absolutely amazing.
“It feels a bit surreal to be honest, some days there have been queues outside the door and people waiting a couple of hours to get in. We really do feel like we are riding a wave.”
She added that the family is hugely grateful to everyone who nominated and supports the shop.
She said: “We can’t thank our customers enough for all the support.
“We are so grateful to everyone who has voted for us and supported us, and we are really looking forward to the final.”
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The Darlington toy shop joins fellow finalists Occasions Framed, Durham Vintage, Unlocking Treasures, The Cheese & Wine Shop, Pretty Knits Wool Shop, Flowers by Nattrass, Bobby B’s Baby Boutique, From Loft to Loved and Inspirational Home & Gifts in the race to be crowned The Northern Echo’s Best Independent Retailer 2026.
To vote for Funky Fidgets Shop, simply vote for your favourite from the list and post your coupon to: The Northern Echo Best Independent Retailer, LOCALIQ House, 1 Dalston Road, Carlisle, CA2 5NP. Postal entries only. Voting closes Wednesday, May 20, 2026.
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