You can step back in time to the 1930s when a unique York gift shop will open tomorrow.
We reported in March that The Echo of York was going to open at 15 Newgate, in what was the Timpson locksmith and shoe repair shop.It opens its doors tomorrow (Friday 2 May).
The unique gift shop will immerse visitors in a press office environment, and will offer a range of products from local makers.
YorkMix spoke with two of the owners, Viv Williams and Luke Horton, to find out more.
The Echo of York was founded by Viv and Luke, along with their friend James McKennan. Based in Sheffield, Viv and Luke have another business together, Luke Horton Art, and James runs the Yorkshire Candle Company – but this is their first business in York.
“York is our favourite city,” said Luke. “It’s a hub of everything – history, entertainment, drink, independence.
“We could have taken and opened the shop anywhere really but we persevered with York.”
“We’re very excited about it,” Luke continued. “We’ve brought an old press office atmosphere and environment into what will be a gift shop.
“So not only is it a gift shop, it’s a step back into time.”
The shop aesthetic and decor is based around the 1930s, and will feature furniture from that era, as well as a surround soundscape of a bustling press office and background tunes. The staff will greet you in character, so you will be swept up in the immersion as soon as you step in the door.
“We’re going to have fun with it – it’s the first time we’ve done something like this.”
The products available will all be made by independent, local makers, with many having a York and Yorkshire theme. There will be gifts such as chocolate, mugs, tea towels, alcohol, stationery, candles, and much more.
“We’re hoping all the lovely locals will love our shop, we have a lot of Yorkshire-made products in here,” said Viv. “It’s obviously an attraction for tourists as well, to take a bit of York home with them.
“An element to why locals would love us is finding treasures from makers that they may not have seen before.”
“We’re trying to showcase what we believe to be the very best, premium local makers,” added Luke.
Echo of York are also showcasing a few of their own products too, including candles, chocolate bar and beer.
As well as the premium products, The Echo of York is also unique for having their own bi-monthly newspaper.
“That’s how the idea evolved,” said Luke. “The concept was created by Viv.”
“The newspaper has got some information about our lovely shop,” said Viv, ” as well as puzzles in there, a competition to win a gift voucher, a 10% off coupon to use in store or online.”
The newspaper also features information on how makers can contact the shop to potentially stock their products. The newspaper is free “so come and grab it and come say hello!”
The initial opening hours for The Echo of York will be Fridays to Sundays, 10am to 4pm, and will include bank holidays.
“The long goal is to be open all day every day,” said Luke, “but because it’s a new business and new concept, we’re just opening on weekends and bank holidays – that could change after the weekend!”
Future plans also include potential collaborations with the ghost tours in the city.
“We do a lot for the community in Sheffield, and we work with a lot of charities, so we want to fit in and benefit the community here as well.
“Hopefully we’re adding value to York by being here.”
To stay up to date with The Echo of York, visit their website, Instagram, and TikTok pages.
Take a sneak peak inside in our gallery below…
Gallery
