A NEW homeware and gift shop opens on Saturday in York's Bishopthorpe Road to showcase unique products made by British designers.

Business owner Beth Elsdon, who grew up in Fulford, launched Walter and May online about a year ago in pursuit of a career that fits in with her family life.

Following the success of the website, Beth will open the company’s first physical store in the unit that was previously occupied by Corner Gallery.

The mum-of-two started her own business after spending 11 years working in the oil and gas industry.

She said: “It is a huge change. I am so excited to be launching a Walter and May presence on the high street.

“It’s an ideal location and it’s nice to give the sellers somewhere to showcase their work. It means a lot to them to have their products in a shop.”

Beth’s company provides a place for about 200 designers to display their work, with more than 3,000 products on sale online.

Popular products include gifts for new mums, aromatherapy sets, jewellery, baby clothes, candles, biscuits and chocolates.

The 34-year-old, who now lives in Dringhouses, added that the name of the business was inspired by her children, Jack and Polly. She said: “The name comes from the children’s middle names, I wanted something personal given the reason behind the shop. They are both very keen on helping out at the shop and Jack really likes the biscuits so I may have to hide them.” She said the bestselling item this week has been a personalised superhero father illustration.

The shop opens from 9am to 5pm, Tuesday to Saturday. Shoppers are invited to attend the opening event today, from 9am to 5pm, with the first 20 customers receiving a goody bag containing a gift from the store.