A new independent gift shop has opened in Macclesfield.

Loola Loves opened earlier this month, and takes up a previously vacant space in Macclesfield Indoor Market.

Loola Loves owner Louise Bullock sells cards, jewellery, toys, art and more, in her finely curated stall.

It is the first permanent physical premises for the one-woman company founded in 2016.

The ex-All Hallows pupil founded Loola Loves in October 2016, which now has their first-ever permanent place on the high street. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

"Our high street is crying out for interesting places to go and shop," said Louise.

"And as much as everyone is convinced everything is going online, I disagree. There's a lot of potential out there for small independents.

"I've built it up very gradually over the years from just a few suppliers to where we are today.

"I sell a wide range of homeware, stationary, kid's gifts, prints, jewellery and candle range to name a few.

(Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

"A lot of what I sell is from small national brands, but I do sell work from Macclesfield comic artists Marc Jackson, and embroidery artist Intwosandthrees to name just a couple, and even stock a Macc-made tote bag.

"As the shop expands, I'd like to sell more locally-made gifts as well.

"It all started as I decided after having a few jobs where I felt under-appreciated and unfulfilled, that I didn't want to work for others anymore.

"I have an arts background, so always had an interest in design. And I'm a big advocate for supporting small brands.

Aside university, Louise has lived all her life in Macclesfield. ouise was brought up around Thornton Square and Ullswater. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

"So it naturally came together that I realised I wanted to help those independents and produce a gift shop."

Loola opts for ethical gift producers and tries to keep plastic waste to a minimum.

"Everything I stock has been responsibly sourced", she explained.

"Where possible we have eco-friendly packaging. And I try to be diverse with who I work with as well."

They are open from 10am to 4pm from Wednesday to Saturday. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

The Macclesfield mum grew her business thanks to pop-ups in The Button Warehouse on Stanley Street, and also an appearance at the Treacle Market.

She also held pop-ups and had a lengthier temporary presence inside a deli on Chestergate.

"The Christmas in lockdown when we were able to open, Monocole Deli invited me to take over half of the space of their shop, as they couldn't have many tables due to COVID restrictions", recalled Louise.

"It was sort of a prototype for the stall we have now. I did that for three months and it went really well, it gave me an opportunity to see if the customers were out there and the interest was there. And it was.

Loola Loves promises an ever-rotating cast of new stock, so once some of the items are gone, they're gone! (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

"So I went back to doing it online, had another baby, and now I'm ready to get back out there and do it which is why I've come to Macclesfield Indoor Market."

"I want to offer something you can't find on Macclesfield's high street as it is," added Louise.

"Particularly because of the pandemic, I think people appreciate that personal touch you get from small businesses. [Something which goes a long way when trying to make that gift for a loved one extra special.

"This coming Saturday [June 25] is Shop Independent Day, so please come say hello and support your independent traders.

They are open four days a week. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

"I now live in the centre of Macclesfield, so the town centre is a massive part of my life.

"My favourite thing about being a businesswoman in Macclesfield is meeting people.

"When I first moved back to Macclesfield following my photography degree in Leeds, I felt quite detached. But that feeling quickly went away, I've met so many great people through doing this. People from this town really, really love it and I'm delighted to be one of them.

You can support the new addition to Macclesfield Indoor Market for free by giving them a like on Facebook or following them on Instagram.

Louise's business also has a website store, which offers free delivery for Macclesfield residents.

Loola Loves is located at Unit 28, Macclesfield Indoor Market, Grosvenor Centre, Market Place, Macclesfield, SK10 1DY.

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