Newton Aycliffe-based Crafter’s Companion is celebrating a record launch at its third retail store in Worcestershire.
The new Evesham store marks a £270,000 investment for the firm, creating 27 new jobs, and follows the company’s Aycliffe Business Park and Chesterfield outlets.
Its opening brought in crowds of more than 3,000 people in the first fortnight and generated over 800 sales of crafting products during the launch weekend.
As part of the launch activities visitors were treated to demonstrations by Crafter’s Companion founder Sara Davies MBE and crafting masterclasses with TV stars Leann Chivers, Sheena Douglass and Lizzy Curtis.
Crafter’s Companion, which was founded in 2005 by County-Durham-born entrepreneur Davies, is now a national and global success – with the group’s turnover this year expected to top £25m.
The business manufactures and sells craft tools and products via its website, on TV shopping channels, through independent retailers and through in its own retail stores.
Davies said: “Nothing pleases me more than seeing our new ventures launch successfully.
“Our team are doing a tremendous job and have worked very hard to get everything up and running.
“I loved spending time at the store over the grand opening weekend and look forward to visiting again soon.”
Located at The Valley Shopping Village, Evesham, the new store has its own coffee shop and themed product sections including haberdashery, knitting, papercraft, art and colouring, and home decor.
It also focuses on education, enjoyment and inspiration, and offers visitors the chance to take part in classes in dedicated education areas and watch live demonstrations.
Davies added: “It’s great to see our classes are proving popular including the children’s crafting workshop, which was a sell-out in early September.
“As this has been a hit, we’re stocking more craft kits and puzzles suitable for our younger crafters in this store.”
For more information visit www.crafterscompanion.co.uk.