We speak to the owners of three Prestwich’s independent shops
Endless Music
In 2014, the sales of vinyl rose to £1 million in the UK for the first time since 1996. More and more people are reverting back to the retro way of enjoying music and Mike Endlar couldn’t be happier. ‘It’s fabulous that younger kids are getting involved,’ he said. ‘We sell a lot of newer stuff but can then also engage them and maintain their interest with older music.’
The music fan started Endless Music in 2000 while running a property business due to his personal interest in vinyl. ‘I needed premises for the property business, but only really space for a desk and computer so I had lots of excess room,’ said Mike. ‘I was also working with a friend who had a stall at Botany Bay, so when he backed out I inherited all of the items – which included vinyls.’
The vinyl business just grew from there, and soon Mike’s brother Andrew became involved. ‘We also sell items on eBay and our own site,’ said Mike. ‘We put a lot of energy into the website as it stocks a huge range of vinyls.’
Over the 14 years, Mike has built up a loyal customer base and many will travel from across the county to see what he has in the shop. ‘I have also shipped items out to Australia and Brazil,’ he said. ‘People just love vinyl.’
Rose and Lee Vintage Living
Fiona Rose, 32 and her husband Trevor Lee set up the vintage homewares shop after a change of career in 2010. Although after hearing about Fiona’s childhood, it’s surprising she wasn’t involved in the vintage and antiques industry earlier.
‘I am a third generation antiques dealer. Both my father and uncle had shops in Prestwich, and I used to travel with my father across Europe when he was sourcing items,’ said Fiona. ‘The niche I have through my dad is Italian items. I speak fluent Italian and once every three to four weeks I drive to Italy to purchase items to sell.’
Sourcing from overseas keeps the shop interesting and different and Fiona said she often finds herself climbing through people’s sheds to find treasures.
‘I specialise in mirrors and chandeliers, but I also source and find smaller things for people to purchase in the shop for their homes,’ said Fiona. ‘I am good at shopping so it’s great getting paid to do it!
‘I have a passion for old things, they are so beautiful. I just want to make it affordable for people to also enjoy.’
www.roseandleevintageliving.co.uk
Lighting up the north
Claire Humphreys of A Northern Light grew up loving painting, art and creating things, so it was only natural for her to end up with a creative business. ‘I always had an ongoing creative project of some sort. I have always drawn and I had a hobby of embroidery for a while,’ said Claire, 41. ‘However, they always seemed to be a fad and I would get bored. I wanted to do something I could make money with.’
While working as support staff in graphic design at a secondary school, Claire began to take illustration a little more seriously. The mother of two started to design and create cards and prints, selling them online but still felt a piece was missing.
‘I really enjoy making something and seeing a finished product,’ said Claire. ‘That’s when I realised I wanted to design something physical that could sit in my home.’
At the start of 2014, Claire, who lives in Prestwich with her husband Jules, then began exploring how to put her illustrations on to lamps. Although it’s time consuming, Claire fell in love with the idea and began creating lamps and lampshades in her dining room, which later became her studio.
The Appley Bridge born designer said seeing her first serious attempt working and providing the effect she hoped for, made her realise she wanted to pursue it seriously. ‘I started to sell them online and at a few markets and it has all just snowballed,’ laughed Claire. ‘I’ve picked up some stockists in Manchester (including the Royal Exchange) and stores online. Christmas was just crackers for orders!’
A Northern Light has been so successful in less than 12 months that Claire plans to extend her range and supply to more stockists. ‘I would like to go into fabric design and design enamelware to create a range of homewares.’
‘In the future, it would be great to have a shop with a little café. I am very much inspired by Fig and Sparrow in Manchester.’
