A NEW craft, gift, board game and workshop stall has opened in Carlisle‘s Market Hall.
The Hobby Hoarder, run by husband-and-wife team Nigel and Charlotte Davies, began trading on Saturday (March 21) after transforming the space over the past few weeks.
The stall focuses on quality craft supplies, board games, art kits and a selection of curated gifts not typically found on the high street.
Nigel, Charlotte and their children. (Image: Supplied)
Charlotte said: “It’s been a lot of hard work, but we’re really pleased with how it’s going so far.
“With the revamp of the market, I think it’s on the up, and because we’re right by the main doors, we should see that footfall as it builds, so we’re really excited.
“What we’re going for is quality products, fair prices and friendly, knowledgeable service. It’s very much about the craft side of things rather than the finished product.”
Stock inside The Hobby Hoarder. (Image: NQ)
Between them, the couple bring years of retail and hobby experience.
Charlotte explained: “I’ve just left my retail job after 15 years. Nigel has his own business 3D‑printing miniatures and he’s been doing that for seven or eight years. We started out doing conventions and markets, but we wanted something more permanent rather than popping up and then disappearing again.”
The event/craft space at The Hobby Hoarder. (Image: NQ)
The Hobby Hoarder spans two neighbouring units – one for retail and the other set up as a dedicated craft room.
The activity space is due to open properly on Saturday in time for the Easter holidays.
“The idea is drop‑in sessions, so we’ll have something on every day in the holidays and it won’t need to be pre‑booked,” Charlotte said. “When we’re settled, we’ll have ‘how to’ workshops, and we’re also thinking of hiring it out as a space so you can do your own activity. Whether that’s getting together with friends to play a board game or coming in to do some painting, you’ll have a communal space you can hire.”
The Hobby Hoarder sign at the entrance to the Market Hall. (Image: NQ)
Charlotte added that other traders and market staff had been ‘really welcoming’.
She said: “We didn’t really know anyone when we first started, but from the staff who work for the market to other vendors, everyone’s been lovely.
“Everyone here seems happy to have more businesses here. It’s been a really nice experience.”
The Hobby Hoarder is located at unit 8-10 and can be found on Facebook here.
