An independent Southport shop is celebrating its first birthday today!
Bernadette’s, which sells cosmetics and fashion accessories, opened at 18 Market Street one year ago on 2nd December 2020.
The shop is among many in our town looking forward to celebrating Small Business Saturday this Saturday (4th December), an event which asks consumers to ‘shop local’ and support small businesses in their communities.
Owner Bernadette Moran said: “I have been open at the shop at 18 Market Street for 1 year today!
“For Christmas we have Christmas earrings, masks, light up badges, pin brooches, scarves, antlers and festive hair clips as well as Angel wings.
“We stock plenty of gloves for ladies, men and children, plus gorgeous bobble hats to keep you warm this winter.
“And as always we stock our ’80s leg warmers, tutus and accessories plus our usual hair extensions, perfumes, aftershaves, cosmetics and lots of nail polish.”
While the business has been in its present location for the past year, it has a long and proud history in Southport.
Bernadette said: “We moved into Southport Market in 1976, next to the side door, alongside the market gardeners.
“I worked on the vegetable stall from 12 years old as well as working on our stall!
“In the early days we sold hand-made local craft wares before evolving more to fashion accessories and rock t-shirts and merchandise from 1981 when I took over from my mother when I left school.
“Over the years we have sold most ‘fad’ lines that have come along. More recently these have included poppets, octopus sensory toys and before that loom bands.
“Twelve years ago we moved to the front of the market after its refurbishment and enjoyed our time there welcoming in both local customers and the much appreciated holiday makers.
“We pride ourselves on always offering the best price and hopefully service.”
Bernadette’s is one of a number of new businesses which have opened in the growing ‘Market Quarter’ of Southport town centre in recent months.
This summer saw the opening of the new look Southport Market following its £1.4million transformation into a new food, drink and events venue, attracting thousands more visitors into the area.
Traders are looking forward to a busy festive season, with the final Southport Makers Market taking place along Market Street between 11am and 4pn this Sunday (5th December) before Christmas Markets begin on Market Street next Saturday (11th December).
Southport Market is set to stage a series of Christmas themed events, including the screening of free festive movies from 11th December onwards.
Bernadette said: “I am definitely looking forward to all the festive activities, it all looks fabulous!”
Bernadette’s is at 18 Market Street in Southport.
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