New shopping destination as mums set up gift store in Woolhampton
Formerly a craft shop, the store in a Grade II-listed building in Bath Road, Woolhampton, has been transformed into a place to buy trinkets, home furnishings, toys and towels.
Claire Dibble, aged 52, of Bucklebury, and Nina Peddie, aged 49, of Chapel Row, met at the school gates when their children Tom and Rosie were four years old.
Seventeen years on, the pair have formed a close friendship and were determined to launch the business venture together.
The shop opened last month and, three weeks on, Mrs Dibble said the response from those living in the surrounding area had been fantastic.
“I think people are very pleased that they have got somewhere to source unusual things,” she said. “We were frustrated that there was nowhere locally that you could buy things that were a bit different.
“I think people were frightened it was going to be a very upmarket, expensive shop. We have got some expensive things but we have also got things that are a few pounds.”
Mrs Peddie added: “We are two mothers who, having lived in the area for 20 years, felt that it was time for a shopping destination other than Newbury or Reading.”
The shop also has a section devoted to low-priced toys and games, aimed at encouraging children to spend their own pocket money.
The Corner Shop is open Monday to Saturday, from 9am to 6pm.