We visit the quirky gift shop causing a buzz in Stafforshire that is based in a shepherds hut

The Homely Bee opened its doors in the centre of Eccleshall in July 2024 after starting life as a website.

It has seen Sally-ann, who is getting ready for her first Mother’s Day and Easter in the shop, return to her roots.

“My dad ran pet, flower and garden shops when I was a child so I come from a retail background but I was a journalist for over 20 years, editing a local newspaper and then lifestyle magazines,” she explains. 

After leaving journalism, Sally-ann ran and cooked in a cafe for a few years before running The Homely Bee as an online shop in January 2023.

“I bought the business from a friend’s daughter who wanted to concentrate on other things and had a young family,” she explains.

After selling through her website and at local shows, Sally-ann decided to take the next step of opening her own premises.

She knew Eccleshall would be the perfect spot for her business. “Eccleshall has lots of amazing shops but there was no gift shop,” says Sally-ann.

 After inquiring about available properties, she was delighted to be offered the chance to transform a shepherd’s hut into her dream home decor and gift shop.

“I jumped at it,” says Sally-ann, who believed the unusual setting would create a memorable shopping experience for her customers.

Within 10 days of the newly-built shepherd’s hut arriving, Sally-ann had put all of the finishing touches to the decorations and displays and was ready to open the doors for the first time.

“People immediately came in and said it was exactly what Eccleshall needed and it felt like it was something that people really valued,” she says.

“Ecceshall has lots of lovely shops and people in Eccleshall like to support their local shops and the business owners like to support other small businesses.”

Sally-ann’s goal was to create a go-to destination for every occasion and the shop is filled to the brim with gifts to suit all interests and budgets.

Specialising in products that are quirky in nature and full of country charm, her curated collection of home decor and gifts reflects a lot of her own interests such as cooking, entertaining and the great outdoors.

She sells items made by artisan producers including a range of mugs and wrapping paper designed by a local artist as well as honey made by her own nephew.

Sally-ann, who is supported by her husband Tony, also stocks items by brands including East of India and Gisela Graham as well as Neal's Yard organic cosmetics.

At the moment, she has lots of spring-themed items and is regularly adding new stock to her displays.

The shepherd’s hut has also proven a huge hit with visitors to the shop.

“People get tourist town vibes and say it’s like being on holiday in here,” says Sally-ann, who also fulfils online orders through her website.

Customer service is very important to the shop owner, who works with some of her suppliers to offer bespoke items.

“I think if you offer something different and something people want, people will support you,” she says.

Sally-ann loves being part of the community and getting to know her regular customers as well as new faces.

“Sometimes people pop in and say ‘I’m not here to buy anything, I wanted to say hello’,” she says.

Helping people to find gifts they know their friends and family will love is one of her favourite parts of running the Homely Bee.

“I love sourcing new products, that’s really interesting. When people come in looking for a gift and they find the perfect thing they want, from a personal point of view, that’s very rewarding. 

“When people say ‘I absolutely love your shop’, it’s very satisfying that people love it as much as I do.”

On March 22, Sally-ann will be taking part in the inaugural Eccleshall Spring Festival and will have a stall in the High Street.

The shop will also be open for visitors during the event.

The Homely Bee, which is open Wednesday to Saturday, is located in Stone Road and has free parking available for customers.

For more information, see www.thehomelybee.co.uk or www.facebook.com/thehomelybee