A new shop dedicated to local makers, artists and small businesses could be coming to Stone High Street, but the person behind the idea wants to hear from potential sellers before committing to the venture.
Katy is exploring plans for Made Stone, which would give independent creators their own shelf or display space inside a staffed town centre shop.
She is considering taking a unit next to the new Zoe Jayne’s hair salon on the High Street and has now started gauging interest from makers who might want to be part of it.
Businesses would be able to rent space from around £40 a month, with no commission taken on sales apart from the card processing fees associated with purchases.
Katy would run the shop herself, meaning makers would not need to be there to sell their products.
She currently sells her own creations through shops in Hanley and Tunstall and says the experience prompted her to consider bringing a similar model to Stone.
Katy told A Little Bit of Stone:
“It’s actually an idea I’ve had for years, and I’ve thought, if I don’t do it now, I probably never will! So I’ve decided to bite the bullet and see if it could actually become a reality.”
Interest needed before the final decision
The plans are still at an early stage. Katy has viewed the High Street property but has not yet committed to taking it on, with the level of interest from potential sellers likely to play a big part in that decision.
If the plans do move ahead, she hopes the shop could open around the beginning of November.
The current idea would see Made Stone open six days a week, from around 9am until 5pm.
Katy is considering asking makers to commit for a minimum of three months, although she says she is still open to suggestions as the plans develop.
She said
“The idea is to create a beautiful, welcoming shop where small businesses, makers, artists and creatives can rent their own shelf or display space to showcase and sell their products, while I run and manage the shop.”
She is also keen to hear from anyone with experience of running a similar business.
Katy added
“I’m completely new to this side of things, so I’d genuinely love to hear any ideas, advice or suggestions from anyone who has experience with running a shop.
“I’m really excited about the idea and would love to create something that supports local businesses while also giving people in Stone somewhere lovely to discover and shop from independent makers.”
For now, Made Stone is looking to hear from makers, artists, creators and other small independent businesses who would potentially be interested in taking space if the shop goes ahead.
Anyone interested in taking a space at Made Stone, or who has experience of running a similar shop and would like to offer advice, can contact Katy at mademeuk@gmail.com. Made Stone can also be found on Instagram at @made_uk_stone and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61594522469766.
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17 comments
Lacey
Hi! I’m a 16 year old artist in stone. I make paintings and also drawings and have been looking to start selling my art, so would be very interested in this.
Louise mould
Hi,
A great idea!! I’m a wool artist and would be very interested. I live in Stafford but I’m selling to move to stone. I run a successful studio and workshops in Lichfield but need to get my work and classes near to where I live. I’m on instagram Luvfelt and fb Luvfelt Louise. My website will be available soon.
Kind regards
Louise
Sue
Hi, I would be interested in your new venture. Great idea. My Instagram account is:
suejames_art
Good luck with your vision !!!
Thanks
Desiree Cumberbatch
I mainly paint for pleasure however, have sold a lot of my original artwork at exhibitions and makers markets in the past. I would be interested in supporting your new venture!
Anita Preece
Hi I would be very interested in working with you. I am a textile artist and create a range of products. My work sells locally and I am based in Newcastle-under-Lyme.
I think this is a fantastic idea.
Naomi white
Hi, I woul be interested.
I offer a range of handmade gifts, including mugs, bags, clothing and seasonal products all with a bee theme. My collections are already stocked in three other high street gift shops.
Lisa Hendry
I’d be interested Im a crochet designer who sells kits, ready made items, tools, gifts for creatives and apparel. I currently trade in 4 other retail spaces and I’m keen to expand further.
Heather Cain
I’d potentially be interested dependant on the size of the space and opening hours. It would be interesting to see if my products sold in a retail setting and I love the idea of not having the overheads and not having to be there. I’d just be nervous initially as with relatively low margin products, selling enough to make a profit over £40 from a small shelf may be prohibitive , but it’s one of those things that if you don’t try, you don’t know. I do love the concept though! I did enquire about something similar before but the opening hours of the shop were quite limited so I think the 6 days a week 8-5pm would make this attractive
Lisa loweth
I’m not sure I could produce many but I make tiny jointed mohair bear . They range from three inches to 6 . They wear hand knitted sweaters and dresses.
It sounds like a lovely ideal.
Kind regards Lisa
Local resident
Hope u have all contacted Katy as requested on
mademeuk@gmail.com
It will be wonderful to have a shop of this nature on our high street
Bring it on
Debbie Maguire
I’d be interested, I’m a potter. Hand building and throwing. There are a few of us who throw in town at Stone’s Throw Pottery. I am in a shop in Newcastle at the moment too.
Happy to share my experience so far, and business support contacts for Staffs.
Desri Goodwin
Hi
I’d definitely be interested in this . It’s a wonderful idea! I mainly paint but also felt and make jewelry.
In the process of possibly moving to the area.
Shona Hall
I would be really interested in this. I make unique pieces of jewellery and accessories. Please take a look at my website to give you an idea of the things I make. Hope to hear from you. Thanks Shona
Clare
Hi, I live in Stone and make decorated shells and recycled wood.
I would be very interested – to be honest I’ve been waiting a while for something like this to come along
Please feel free to email me for some pictures or for more questions
Kindest regards, Clare
Cookiebears Mandy cooke
I would be interested in putting my bears and bunnies in your shop
David Shiers
Hi I I live in Stone and am a professional artist. I am also a member of The Society of Staffordshire Artists. I would be very interested in displaying my work in your new studio. Please see my website and Instagram to view my work. My password for Instagram is dshiers97. Hoping to hear from you soon
David Shiers.
Beth Wyatt
5 local artists looking for space to share. We are a well know group who exhibit and go under the name of Five Easel we would be very interested in this venture. Happy to help with anything you may need