Two independent York shops are coming together to create an exciting new space.
As we reported in January, design store Snowhome on Gillygate was set to close after 19 years.
And although owner Angus McArthur was sad to see it go, the shop closure was actually due to the success of his other venture, The York Ghost Merchants on Shambles.
Now though, Snowhome is not only staying open, but it will combine with another indie brand – to create “a place where old favourites and new discoveries can still be found”.
New owners revealed
When Angus announced his intention to close Snowhome, many customers came in to offer their support and share their sadness at the end of an era.
Among those to get in touch were Matt and Helen Harris, owners of Owl & Monkey. They set up the home and lifestyle store on Heslington Road in 2017, selling items that would ‘spark joy in the everyday’.
“When we saw Angus’ post we were, like so many people, hugely sad to think of Snowhome ending,” said Matt. “Angus has worked hard to build a beautiful, creative space offered with integrity and honesty.”
What became clear in their discussions was that there was an exciting opportunity to bring the best of Snowhome and Owl & Monkey together into one space. Angus said:
I am pleased to say that Owl & Monkey will take over ownership of Snowhome by the early summer.
They will move into 42 Gillygate to create an exciting new space, O+M at Snowhome.
It’s been really affirming to work with Helen and Matt on a new future for Snowhome, I know that I’ll be handing over to a couple that share very similar values and intentions for the brand.
Amazing customers
The new shop will stock a range of responsibly-sourced, design-led goods. Creative collaborations with individual makers and considerate manufacturers will remain a part of the shop.
Helen said:
We hope it will remain a place that both ours and Snowhome’s communities feel part of, a place where old favourites and new discoveries can still be found.
Angus and we are hugely grateful to all the support of our amazing customers, suppliers and makers and we really want them all to feel a part of this new opportunity.
“We will, of course, be sad to leave our little shop on the Heslington Road but we are excited about the new possibilities of bringing Snowhome and Owl & Monkey together,” Matt said.
“We feel this is about us growing and moving onto the next chapter in our story. “
Angus, Helen and Matt will be working closely together over the coming months to shape the new chapter for both Snowhome and Owl & Monkey.
Updates and news of the developments will be available on their Instagram accounts @owl_and_monkey and @snowhomeuk and websites www.snowhome.co.uk and www.owlandmonkey.co.uk.