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08
Sept
Inside Harrogate's new design shop
Upside Down Design will open a new location on West Park in Harrogate on September 11.
The independent design chain first opened on Bootham in York nine years ago.
Speaking to the Stray Ferret about her new venture, owner Carole Whitby told us Harrogate was the obvious choice for her second location.
She said:
We found that a lot of customers at our York store were coming from Harrogate, and always telling us they wished we would open here. We're really excited about it.
Ms Whitby, whose background is in retail, said the plan was always to expand.
Despite recent reports of the high street in decline, she said she wants to preserve the "joy" of shopping at bricks and mortar locations, not only because customers can see the items but also interact with staff.
'We have a lot of joy'
There is a clear thread tying the store together which Ms Whitby describes as "different, colourful, and energetic". She added:
There's no point in selling the same things you can find in John Lewis.
We don't stock anything that I wouldn't want in my own home.
The Harrogate site is twice as big as her York outlet. She showed us the brands she was excited to be able to stock for the first time, including Japanese ceramics brand Marumitsu Poterie.
She also pointed to children's brand Trixie and French toy company Maileg as examples of lines that she would be the first to stock in Harrogate.
Ms Whitby, who also works as an interior designer, said her mantra is:
Nobody should have anything in their house they don’t love.
The Stray Ferret was invited to look inside Upside Down ahead of its opening at 9.30am on Friday (September 11).
Here are some photos.
Colourful accessories and gifts from brand Hijinx.
An array of colourful 'glug jugs'
Colourful candles.
The store's array of glassware.
Ceramics from South African pottery Wonki Ware.
The store has a large range of taper candles and candleholders.
A range of uniquely scented Paddywax candles – heirloom tomato scent anyone?
Japanese homeware.
A very unique-looking egg cup.
Notebooks upon notebooks.
Customisable tote bags from Be Bougie.
Osmology aromatherapy products.
The store also has a large area dedicated to children's kitchenware and toys.
Wooden children's toys from brand Le Toy Van.
A large selection from Danish toy brand Maileg.
Children's dinnerware from Trixie.
Knitted toys and their accompanying clothes.
Maileg mice.
Funky dinnerware.
Something for the dog.
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