AN ONLINE craft company is opening its flagship retail store and creative space in Brierley.
Wool Couture Company, a designer and retailer of luxury yarns and wool DIY kits, is opening its shop at The Old Robin Hood, on Southmoor Road, on September 18.
Known for its bespoke knitting, weaving, crochet and macramé kits, the wool company was founded by working mum Claire Gelder as a ‘kitchen table business.’
In its first few months, the business made £30,000 and just two years later after backing from Dragon’s Den Dragons Touker Suleyman and Tej Lalvani the company announced a turnover of £680,000.
The business was faced with the prospect of relocating to a warehouse to find the larger space it required. But instead, Claire spotted a former Barnsley pub with potential and decided to use the location for its warehouse, workshop and first flagship retail store.
Claire, 45, said: “We’re overjoyed to be opening our first store and particularly happy to have transformed a derelict pub into a hub for the community.
“We’ve had a very busy and exciting start and can’t wait to have our first ‘high street’ presence here in Yorkshire. I’m very grateful for the support received from Tej and Touker, both of whom have been incredibly generous with their knowledge, experience and contacts.”
Claire said taking up a craft can be extremely cathartic and help build new connections with others.
She added: “I’m hoping my story will also inspire others out there to turn their visions into reality. I’m proof that you don’t need to be a seasoned business person or high flyer to turn your passion into a successful company. Passion, a smart idea and good old-fashioned determination are the ingredients for getting things off the ground. That, and a large helping of positive thinking.”
There are other developments in the pipeline, including a new baby range.
