How we started

 

In lockdown 2020, I was on maternity leave after having my 3rd child.

Shops in our local town were closing left right and centre. My mother and I came up with an idea to open a little shop in the grounds where we live. My late father and mother ran a successful tool hire company in the 80's/90's  from our family home, so, we were used to seeing customers regularly and already had the correct means to trade.

We wanted a shop that sold something for everyone, so we decided to start going to local auctions/fayres to pick up vintage/antique items. I researched wholesalers online to find unusual items we could stock. I also started to make things out of resin as a little hobby - with the intention to sell the items in the shop. We also looked around for local makers to stock their handmade items too.

Meanwhile, my husband built the shop in our yard and I started to buy!

The shop got its name "Hidden Treasures" from my sister, as the shop was built around the back of our home, hidden. And with the kind of items we had in mind to sell "treasures". 

September 2022, the shop was ready to open. However, my mother became very ill (she was already fighting cancer for the past 2 years) We put the shop on hold whilst she recovered. Sadly, January 2023 she passed away from sepsis unexpectedly. 

I didn't want to stop our little venture that we had been planning for so long. May 2023, I put on a brave face and opened the shop. For mum.

Working in our local hospital part time and having 3 young children (no.4 due November 2023!) I am limited to how long the shop can be open for. So I decided to start a website which I will then be able to sell smaller items and post out.

The feedback I have received since opening the shop has been incredible. So much so, that I now have regulars! The stock often changes, and I am always looking out for unusual gift ideas. 

 

If you find yourself in Cromer, please pop in, have a browse, tell your friends. I am always grateful to see a smiling face in the shop!

 

Donna x