A new vintage clothing shop dedicated to children has opened its doors in Durham.
Poppy Solario, 44, and her partner, Patrick Fall, 50, founded Inky & Co after more than a decade in the vintage clothing trade.
The Spennymoor couple have built a loyal following through Durham Vintage, drawing customers from across the North East to warehouse open days in Bishop Auckland.
(Image: POPPY SOLARI)
Growing demand for affordable children’s clothes prompted them to open a shop selling vintage and pre-loved fashion.
Poppy said the idea took shape when a small children’s section at Durham Vintage quickly became one of its most popular features.
(Image: POPPY SOLARI)
She said: "We started off with just a small rail of kids' clothing mixed in with everything else, and it didn't really do much at first.
"But then we separated it out a bit, added more to it, and suddenly it just took off. The more we put in, the more it sold, and that's when I realised there was a need for it.
(Image: POPPY SOLARI)
(Image: POPPY SOLARI)
"I realised I didn't have enough room to build a whole kids' clothing side alongside the adult one. So, I said to my partner, for both of our sanity, we need to give this its own space. It's the only way we can really grow it and do it properly."
The couple secured the Framwellgate Moor premises and spent months refurbishing them alongside the shop manager Ellen Ruddock.
Inky & Co will also sell gifts and toys as an official retailer for Rachel Ellen Designs, Rex London and House of Marbles.
(Image: POPPY SOLARI)
The store will feature original characters including Inky the octopus, Gild the mischievous crocodile and Fig the sporty tiger, with some designs created by the couple’s five-year-old son, Louis.
Speaking ahead of opening day, Poppy said: "It's amazing. I think because we have another business everything's taken twice as long.
"It's been really nice to build and grow it and I'm really excited. People have shown their support on Facebook and we've got quite a loyal following from Durham Vintage, so a lot of them have shown excitement to have the child version."
(Image: POPPY SOLARI)
(Image: POPPY SOLARI)
The owners hope the shop will become a permanent destination for families and a hub for the local community.
Poppy added: "My plan is to get really involved with the community and there's a park opposite so I'm hoping we can have a few events there."
Colouring, games and small play areas will keep children busy while parents browse.
The shop will open softly first, giving staff time to settle in before a bigger launch during the school half-term holidays.
In a message shared on social media, the owners said: "We're so excited to finally open our doors and welcome you into our little Inky world."
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The owners say the shop aims to ease pressure on parents to buy expensive children's brands by offering similar styles at affordable prices.
The shop opened on Thursday (September 24), at 38c Front Street, Framwellgate Moor, Durham, DH1 5EE.
Opening times will be Wednesday to Saturday, 9.30am to 4.30pm and Sunday, 11am to 5pm.