North East gift retailer Collectables expands Darlington store

Summarised from The Northern Echo's report · Updated 24 Oct, 21:27 · Archive

Collectables, a North East gift shop founded in 1986, is moving its Darlington store to a larger site.

Collectables began trading from a barrow at the Metrocentre in 1986, founded by David Lewis's parents. His father ran the retail side whilst also operating a wine business, with his mother handling clerical work. The business started by selling Geordie gifts and souvenirs, attending gift shows where customers showed interest in collecting the items on offer. This demand inspired the company's name.

The retailer grew steadily through the 1990s and opened stores across the North East, including locations in Teesside, Stockton, Darlington, Sunderland and Cramlington. The company became known for distinctive publicity stunts; in 1991 it parked a car on four Bone China cups to demonstrate their strength. David Lewis, who left school at 16, now leads the business as it prepares to move its Darlington store to a much larger site.

Read the report

• Collectables - How the North East-born gift shop grew from a barrow to multiple shopsCollectables began with a Metrocentre barrow in 1986 and is now preparing to move its Darlington store to a much bigger site.The Northern Echo · 24 Oct, 17:30

In this story: Collectables · David Lewis · Metrocentre · Darlington · North East · Teesside · Sunderland · Stockton

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