Wrap and Joy opens its doors in Formby Village as new independent shop proves an instant hit
There was a real buzz in Formby Village today as Wrap and Joy officially opened the doors to its beautiful new shop on Chapel Lane, and judging by how busy it was, local shoppers have been looking forward to this one.
The new independent lifestyle and gifting store, situated next to Iceland in the heart of Formby Village, opened today, Saturday 3rd October, following weeks of work transforming the premises.
And the finished shop looks absolutely amazing.
From the moment the doors opened, customers were coming in to have a look around, with the shop incredibly busy as people discovered the huge variety of gifts, artwork, homeware and products from independent makers and small businesses.
From an online idea to a shop in Formby…
Wrap and Joy is the creation of Ellen, whose business has grown considerably from its beginnings as an online gift wrapping venture.
Her creativity and distinctive style led to opportunities far beyond those early beginnings, including work for Prada in London, before Wrap and Joy expanded into illustrated products, markets, events and retail.
Ellen also established Wrap and Joy at Red Brick Market in Liverpool, but opening in Formby marks another major milestone as she launches her first independent high street shop.
Ellen is running the new Formby venture alongside her mum, making today’s opening particularly special for the family.
Work on the Chapel Lane premises began at the start of September while Ellen was actually away in Japan, with her mum helping to oversee the transformation back home.
Just over a month later, the doors are now open and the result is a colourful, welcoming shop packed with unusual things to discover.
Independent makers take centre stage…
A huge part of the idea behind Wrap and Joy is supporting other creative independent businesses.
Earlier this year, Ellen invited talented makers, artists and small businesses to apply to have their products stocked in the Formby shop, with a particular focus on beautiful, sustainable and handmade products.
She was also clear that AI generated artwork and products would not be accepted, keeping the emphasis firmly on work created by real artists, designers and makers.
The shop brings together Ellen’s own designs alongside a carefully selected collection from independent businesses.
Wrap and Joy’s own range includes illustrated prints, greeting cards, tea towels, scarves, scrunchies, oven gloves and gifts, while shoppers will find plenty more from the independent makers stocked inside.
Among the names previously confirmed for the new shop were Ziggy & Simon, Jessica Turnbull, LEAF Tea Shop, Calico Collective and Spice Kitchen, alongside other carefully chosen independent brands and creators.
The collections are designed to change throughout the year, giving customers something new to discover on future visits rather than seeing exactly the same products every time.
Gift wrapping, which is where the Wrap and Joy journey originally began, also remains an important part of the business.
A great opening day in Formby
We called in today to see the finished shop and it was fantastic to see just how busy it was.
The shop itself looks amazing, with so many different products packed into the new space while still retaining the colourful and creative feel behind the Wrap and Joy brand.
It is also another welcome independent addition to Chapel Lane and Formby Village at a time when supporting local businesses is more important than ever.
There is another local connection to the opening celebrations too, with Jennifer Williamson from The Cookie Counter Bakery joining Wrap and Joy with a pop up today.
Jennifer, who is also from Formby, is preparing to open her own independent bakery in the area in November and has previously held successful pop ups including at Baltic Market. The Cookie Counter will offer everything from fresh breads and bagels to pastries, cakes, cookies, hot and cold drinks and celebration orders.
It makes today’s launch a lovely showcase for two new independent Formby businesses.
Opening days
Wrap and Joy is expected to be closed on Mondays and Tuesdays and open from Wednesday through to Sunday, giving shoppers plenty of opportunity to call in and explore.
After following Ellen’s plans for the shop before work even began on the premises, it was lovely for Formby Bubble to finally see the doors open today and the shop full of customers.
Opening a new independent shop is a huge undertaking, and it is fantastic to see another previously empty unit brought to life in the heart of Formby Village.
We would like to wish Ellen, her mum and everyone involved with Wrap and Joy the very best of luck with their beautiful new Formby shop. Judging by how busy it was on opening day, they have certainly had a brilliant start.
Read the original story about Wrap and Joy in this link:
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