A popular Nottingham plant business has announced the launch of its second shop which is due to open in the city centre around March in time for Mother's Day. The Little Plant Guys will keep their Beeston-based location alongside the new Derby Road store.
Derby Road has undergone a transformation in recent years with the opening of new independent shops and bars such as Little Brickhouse, the Mist Rolling Inn and the soon-to-open Universal Works clothing shop. The Little Plant Guys will open in the premises which were once one-half of the historic Canning Circus Boots store.
Universal Works will open in the other half. It is hoped now construction is complete on the former, circular Ben Bower's restaurant at the end, that that will be occupied soon too.
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For owner Phill Gaskin, Derby Road made complete sense when it came to choosing the best location for a second store. He believes you have to take risks to grow your business.
He said: "I was walking into town and I saw Universal Works, then I saw the shop next door was up for let. I thought it would be a really good location because Universal Works are a really popular Nottingham brand who are so well-known.
"I thought this is a really decent spot. Katarina at Little Brickhouse Cafe is also my neighbour - she is my neighbour at home and now at work too."
He added: "It was one of those that I didn't overthink because it was a case of the right spot, the perfect size with two massive beautiful windows that were south facing. It was next to a good brand so I thought it sounded good so let's see what the agent and landlord said but everyone agreed. All the ducks lined up at the right time so it was a no-brainer."
The Little Plant Guys shop in Beeston is known for its beautiful layout and chilled atmosphere as well as Phill's dog, Larry, who makes an appearance. The shop is a must-visit for Nottingham's plant fans - not just for an unplanned plant purchase but advice from the man himself on all things horticulture.
The new shop on Derby Road is still to undergo a transformation but Phill doesn't anticipate it's going to be difficult. This is helped by Phill's background in interior design and architecture which means he is a dab hand at putting together a beautiful display or two.
He said: "I'm waiting for solicitors to finish off all the bits and pieces so I'm talking to electricians at the moment then getting everything together. My own home is a bit of a building site at the minute so I may need to wait until that's finished before I can start working on the shop otherwise I'll have building sites seven days a week.
"This one is an easy refurb in comparison to Beeston which was the first one we did and it was a mess. We had to do everything which was about eight weeks' worth of work and really full-on. We need electricians to come in and help with lighting then it's a decorating job and furniture."
Phill hopes to encourage the same atmosphere in the new shop as the one in Beeston. Staff will go between both locations, with new faces due to join over the next few months. Phill wanted to encourage a community between both shops which doesn't focus just on sales - and it appears to have worked in the Beeston shop with people studying and choosing the shop for unusual date nights.
He said: "It will be the same ethos and vibe with staff working in both so you'll see the same faces. It will be an extension of the first one as I always wanted it to be this calm, easy-going, not fast-paced retail place. It's slow retail where people can come, take their time and ask questions.
"A big part of the business for me is communication with customers and taking the time to be able to talk to people. It's not just 'here is a plant, please buy' but it's about taking the time to have a conversation with people and let them know what they are buying and how to look after it."
He added: "We use our upstairs space for workshops and we have people work up there like students. We've had people do study groups and people on dates up there which is random but great. I want that for the new shop as well - to be able to slow things down and have people take their time to enjoy."
Reaction to the announcement online was instantaneous as plant collectors, friends and locals were delighted to hear the news. It hasn't been the easiest time for shops amid a cost of living crisis so positive news makes an uplifting difference and many people know Phill's store in Beeston.
He said: "I'm proud that we have stayed open and it's been really lovely. I've played on my trade quite a bit as an interior designer to make it work but I've had lots of nice comments as people seem to get it the minute they walk in. They have a look around and they are always like, we didn't even know you had an upstairs but it's so calm.
"We have students bring their parents in when they come to collect them at the end of term after they visited at the beginning. People bring in others to show them around, too, which really warms my heart. I love that people are like, I found this place and want to show you. It's a really lovely gesture.
"If we can carry on having that then I'll be happy."
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