SPONSORED EDITORIAL: Present in the Laine is making its mark in Brighton’s lively North Laine with a beguiling treasure trove of jewellery, gifts, homeware and furniture.
The shop opened at 34 Gardner Street in March, just in time for Mother’s Day, and has already become a favourite destination for tourists and locals alike.
Perching on a stool behind the counter, owner Caroline Clifton says she is delighted with the response she has had from customers, who have complimented her on everything from her necklaces, lampshades and baby booties to the striking bluetit wallpaper on the back wall – which is also for sale.
Caroline said: “As soon as we completed on the lease, I had Mother’s Day in mind as the deadline for opening.
“And it made for a busy first week – people were coming in to buy last minute presents.”
Since then, Caroline has been able to add to the range of stock on offer, and add new lines such as vintage furniture which is painted to customise into unique pieces, collaborating with professional furniture painters.
With a merchandising background in high street retail, and then later buying for a gift company, she has a keen eye and an instinct for what looks good.
But she says she never tries to second guess the customer. “It’s all things that I love, and would love to receive or give to friends and family. At the beginning it was a risk because I didn’t know if people would like what I did. But it’s working really well.
“The customers love the shop. The window display, the stock and have commented on the lovely atmosphere.
“One person joked, ‘Get me out of here, there’s too many things I want.'”
Present in the Laine is open all year round, from 10am to 5.30pm Monday to Wednesday, 10am to 6pm Thursday to Saturday and 11am to 5pm Sundays and bank holidays.
34 Gardner Street, Brighton
01273 607695
http://www.presentinthelaine.
@presentlaine
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