A new shop in Swanage offering a selection of quality handmade, unique and sustainable gifts and homeware has already received a warm welcome from customers and fellow business owners.
Raspberry Rose in Institute Road opened its doors on Thursday 5th January 2023 and has had a constant stream of visitors since, all keen to see what the new gift shop has in store.
There’s plenty to view in the window and inside the store
Gifts and homeware for all budgets
The stylish shop, bravely launching in January in a seaside town amidst a cost of living crisis, aims to ensure that customers can pop in and be confident of finding an ideal present for a relative, friend, child or grandchild in the centre of Swanage.
There’s also homeware and practical items aimed at suiting all budgets, which creates a high possibility of going in to buy a present and coming out with something for yourself!
Owner Tammy Bungay puts the finishing touches to a new display
“Take the leap and just do it!
Raspberry Rose business owner, Tammy Bungay, who was born and brought up in Swanage said:
“I don’t think there’s ever a perfect time to launch a new business – you’ve got to take the leap and just do it!
“This has been planned for a long time and I’m hoping that opening in the quieter winter months will give us time to settle in and learn from our customers what they want to buy, before it gets busy in the summer.
“For me it has all happened at the right time. This lovely shop, which was once a much loved fossil and crystal shop, came up for sale as the owner was planning to retire, so I thought it was a great idea to buy it and breathe new life into it.”
Who can resist this bunny?
A large selection of gifts for children and grandchildren
Central location in Swanage
The shop is at 28 Institute Road, which links the two other shopping areas of the High Street and Station Road, and is close to the seafront.
Tammy continued:
“Institute Road is a great location where you can buy so many things. It includes Baboo ice cream over the road, the Purbeck Deli next door with a great cheese selection, Amber Bay opposite which sells beautiful jewellery and Leonard’s where you can buy so many interesting things.
“The shop owners have been very welcoming and have already popped in to say hello, which has been lovely, as well as lots of positive feedback from customers already.
“I think I’ve been guilty in the past of turning too quickly to the internet, thinking I won’t get in town what I need but you really can get plenty of useful things in Swanage. And when you are looking for gifts, it’s so much nicer to be able to see and feel what you are buying.”
There’s still dinosaurs to be found in what used to be a well known fossil shop!
Fun and educational presents
“Educational element”
Tammy, who is a qualified teacher, but decided to open a shop to give her more flexibility with three young children has really enjoyed working out what to stock in the children’s section. She said:
“I’ve been able to use my teaching knowledge to get in really nice things for children but with an educational element. Much of what I stock are items that I’d like to buy for my own children like the t-shirts, which are beautifully made and very well produced.”
Beautiful greeting cards…
…and stylish scarves
Boost to the local economy
The investment in the new shop has benefited the wider local economy with three part-time staff recruited via the local recruitment agency Purbeck Jobs. Tammy added:
“The new members of staff have been part of the journey since last October and have added to the vibe of the business. They all bring something different to their role and are absolutely amazing.
“I must also mention how brilliant the company Urban Homes has been in refurbishing and fitting out the shop, as well as Purbeck Media who did all the sign writing. I was just able to say what I wanted and they were able to visualise it for me.”
Shop assistants Sam (left) and Bethany (right) along with Mally (not pictured) are happy to help advise on the perfect gift
Unique homeware to give away or keep for yourself…
“Drop in and say hello!”
While there is a real emphasis on developing the shop, there will also be a website in the future to reach even more customers and the use of social media to keep everyone informed of events and new stock arriving. Tammy said:
“I’d love people to sign up to our new Facebook page but also to come into the shop and have a browse. There’s an open invitation for locals and visitors to drop in and say hello!”
Further information
- Raspberry Rose is at 28 Institute Road, Swanage BH19 1BX
- More information about the new shop is available via the Raspberry Rose Facebook page
