Aberdeenshire-based independent family lifestyle store, Indi + Will, has expanded with the addition of The Little Gift Shop. Opening in May, the new second store is based on the grounds of The Udny Arms Hotel − due to reopen this month following major refurbishment − with a coffee shop next door.

The owners of the hotel and coffee shop, a local family, have added wooden pods to the site to use as pop-up shops for local and small businesses as well as for hosting workshops and events. The Little Gift Shop’s pod is a permanent shop, with more pods due to be built soon.

 

 

Commenting on the new store is business owner, Fiona Stewart.

“When I found out the pods were available for small businesses to rent, I pitched my idea and concept of opening a gift shop to the family and they welcomed it. The combination of a coffee shop, beautiful hotel, and our gift store work so well, making it a lovely destination to visit.”

And it certainly is a lovely destination to visit. The location of the new store is right next to a beach where seals are spotted daily. The Indi + Will shop is also just a 10-minute drive away. The new shop carries different products to its bigger sister store in Balmedie, which focuses more on clothing for kids and adults alongside baby items and toys.

 

 

Brands stocked in the store include Little Dutch, Scamp & Dude, Konges Slojd, Liewood, Olli Ella, Liga, Another Fox, Baggu, &Klevering, The Completist, The Gift Label and many more. Both stores are owned and run by Stewart, who has a team of six women who work with her across the two shops and online business.

“We encourage our customers who are visiting our Balmedie store to pop to our new gift shop and enjoy a coffee and cake or lunch next door,” adds Stewart. “We have a lot of tourists who visit the area, so the concept of the new hotel, coffee shop and our gift store is great for both visitors and locals alike.”

The Little Gift Shop, 50 Main Street, Newburgh, Ellon, AB41 6BL