Two empty units in Keswick town centre are to be given a new lease of life. Today, a shop which has been featured on national television is set to relocate in the town. Karin and Vic Gibson will rename their business Vintage of Keswick when it opens in St John’s Street. For more than a decade they have traded as Vintage at Maysons in Lake Road where BBC’s Antiques Road Trip programme has twice been filmed. “We are really looking forward to having a lovely new shop of our own rather than being in the back room of shared premises,” said Karin. “We have built up a loyal following over the years and are hoping to attract new customers who maybe hadn’t found us before and like what we offer, such as free gift-wrapping,” she added. The shop sells vintage and antique items including jewellery, rugs and clothing as well as books, art, lighting, toys, glass, furniture and vinyl. It is next door to Open All Hours in what used to be a tattoo parlour which has relocated to Penrith. Recalling visits by Antiques Road Trip experts Philip Serrell and Natasha Raskin Sharp, Karin added: “They loved the shop and both made money on every item they bought.” And a leading national children’s charity, The Children’s Society, is set to open a new retail space in the heart of Keswick. Located in Tithebarn Street, the new shop will transform an empty unit into a thriving hub offering a range of pre-loved treasures, from second-hand clothing and jewellery to toys, books, and games. With an emphasis on sustainability and community, the shop will provide an opportunity for locals to shop ethically, giving bargains a second life while funding urgent support services. The Keswick shop will be the charity’s third outlet in Cumbria, joining long-standing shops in Whitehaven and Cockermouth. All proceeds from sales will directly fund the charity’s work to support some of the UK’s most vulnerable children, including those affected by exploitation, mental health challenges, young refugees and children and young people who go missing. Sarah Sharpe, regional retail manager, said: “Keswick is a beautiful and thriving community, and we are delighted to bring our charity shop to this historic market town. Our shops play a crucial role in raising the funds needed to support children and young people, and we can’t wait to welcome the kind-hearted people of Keswick to make this space a powerhouse for good.” The charity is also calling on the local community to get involved, whether as shoppers or as part of the team. Volunteers are crucial to the shop’s success, and flexible opportunities are available for anyone eager to help sort stock, style displays, or serve customers, contributing their time and energy to the cause.In addition, the charity is recruiting for a shop manager to lead the team. Sarah added: “We need a people person with a real passion for retail and for making a difference to children’s lives. Someone who can rally the local community to donate, volunteer and shop and who can turn donated jumpers and bric-a-brac into vital funds for a vital cause.’’ With over 100 charity shops nationwide, the organisation has a proven track record of creating welcoming spaces that help raise millions of pounds to protect and support children and young people.
