Fashion and lifestyle retailer Oliver Bonas to open in Morpeth a week after The Gift Pod closed

The shop will open at 9.30am at the shopping centre and there are a few special treats for those visiting on opening day.

It is the third of a trio of new shops at the Arcade in the space formally occupied by independent department store chain Sandersons Boutique, following on from The White Company and The Works.

The opening will come after The Gift Pod in Newgate Street closed on June 22.

Founded in 1993, the company has more than 80 stores nationwide. The Morpeth store will showcase a curated homeware and fashion collection all designed from the company’s own studio.

Lottie Thompson, centre manager at Sanderson Arcade, said: “We’re thrilled to announce another store opening at what is an extremely exciting time for Sanderson Arcade.

“Oliver Bonas offers a vibrant and diverse range of products, which we’re certain will be popular with our shoppers.”

Jo Mercer established The Gift Pod in August 2020 and moved Blyth to the premises in Morpeth.

In announcing the closure, a post on the Facebook page for the business mentioned an upcoming surgery that will keep her “out of action for two months or so”.

It added: “The cost of living crisis has made things so difficult for small businesses. Factor in the closure of the footpath near the bus station sporadically for the last three months, which has decimated trade, and it just isn’t viable sadly to keep the shop open while I’m recuperating.”

There was a closing down sale and a post on the final day of trading said: “The last three weeks have been utterly phenomenal. The support I’ve had from customers old and new has been immense.

“I’ve made so many friends over the last three years and I hope I will keep in touch with all of you. You’ve offered me so much love, support and encouragement every step of the way.”

On Saturday at Oliver Bonas, there will be a DJ spinning the decks between noon and 4pm and visitors will be welcomed in with a free non-alcoholic drink from the Drink Living Things brand during the hours when the DJ is on.