New shop to open underneath York’s famous Native American

He’s been on the look-out for a new tenant for a while.

But soon York’s much-photographed Native American will have some company again, as a new shop moves into his building.

Number 76 Low Petergate has been empty since shirt maker 7 Camicie closed in January 2016.

Now a new retailer is preparing to open there.

Small chain

Silvarious is a small chain of jewellers. It has four shops – the York branch will be its first outside Derbyshire.

Founded in 1999 by Eileen O’Donnell, Silvarious sells silver necklaces, bracelets, bangles, earrings, watches and gifts.

It will make that quite the jewellery corner, after Nomination Italy opened its shop at number 99 Low Petergate.

And the arrival of Silvarious comes shortly after it was announced that Asquith’s Jewellers round the corner on Goodramgate was closing down.

The incomer is hiring: they are looking for full-time, part-time and weekend sales advisors. Anyone interested should email their CV to [email protected].

Historic property

Number 76 Low Petergate is a Grade II listed building which dates back to the 15th century.

The building has three floors. The ground and first floors have nearly 700 sq ft of retail space.

The Native American dates from around 1800 when it housed a tobacconist and cigar shop.

He is one of a number of figures on the city’s shops, including the red devil over number 33 Stonegate – signifying a printing press – and the Minerva on the corner of Minster Gates, a sign for a bookshop.

These date from a time when many York people couldn’t read, and the figures acted as a quick guide to the shops below.