Nothing says Christmas like the smell of Mulled Wine, the twinkle of lights and the hustle and bustle of late night shoppers in and out of the shops.
I love late night shopping, I love the atmosphere, the smells, the hustle and bustle, the sound of laughter, its what Christmas is about for me. I have found memories of late night shopping in Truro when I was a child. I remember rushing home from school on a Wednesday, getting changed and being so excited to get there. The smell of the food market, the twinkling lights and of course the big man himself, Father Christmas.
When I opened the shop in St Ives I hadn’t given late night shopping a thought. I was so focused on the initial opening and getting things set up, Christmas almost wasn’t on my mind. A team of lovely people who organise ‘December in St Ives’ contacted us and gave us the opportunity to join in with this years festivities.
Sadly, due to lockdown 2, the first scheduled late night shopping event for the town was cancelled but that didn’t stop us, nor did it for a few other local businesses. Thursday 26th we hosted our very first ‘Live’ Facebook market night, I was incredibly nervous. A few other local shops were Live as well and it was great, we had a really lovely response, despite the nerves. It’s lovely to receive such kind support throughout these strange times, especially from other local businesses. It’s really important to stick together right now, however big or small your business may be.
December 3rd was the next scheduled late night shopping in town and we were so happy to be a part of it. The atmosphere, the smells of mulled wine, the hustle and bustle and chatter of people wondering the streets….. Christmas 2020 was officially here. The streets are a glow with gorgeous lights, shops are open till 8pm and there’s a real festive spirit throughout the town.
There are lots of great things happening throughout town in December, late night shopping every Thursday till 8pm, a treasure hunt, food trail & Christmas window competition. Free parking at The Stennack Laundrette car park which is always helpful if your travelling in. Father Christmas will be popping up throughout town as well.
December 2nd we reopened ours doors……… and it felt fabulous to be able to welcome people again. The response we’ve had throughout the whole of November has been absolutely incredible, from the 5th to 30th there wasn’t a single day that we didn’t receive orders, lovely messages of support and just general love for our venture. We never, ever imagined we’d be so busy online with such a brand new business, there will never be enough words to thank you each and everyone of you.
It’s been a rollercoaster of a ride so far with Newlyn Maids. From starting a brand new business during the first lockdown, to opening a ‘pop up’ shop in October, to then having to close for lockdown 2, its been some what of a bumpy start. I’m not one to give up on many things in life, I’m a fighter and I’ll always fight for the things I want. I strive for perfection, I set my goals sky high and I always want the best out of life.
I cant wait to see what the future holds for our business and I know I say this an awful lot, but we wouldn’t be where we are today without your continued support…….so Thank you!
