Owner of Mildenhall café Barleycorn opens 33 Market Place after product suggestions and feedback from community
A new shop which has welcomed suggestions from the local community has opened in a Suffolk town centre.
Shelby Foord, 61, officially launched her new business 33 Market Place in Mildenhall on Saturday.
She has been running popular café Barleycorn, which sits less than a stone’s throw away from her new store, for more than six years and is excited for the start of her new venture.
“This is definitely the biggest risk I’ve taken in my career but I am so excited to be able to do this,” she said.
“I love Mildenhall and am passionate about the town so it’s been great to hear what people want us to provide. We’ve done the best we can and we are always open to suggestions.
“This was a massive investment for me and I have definitely been nervous about this for months.
“I’ve even had people say I’m a bit mad but I’m just looking forward to getting started out and can’t wait for people to come in.”
Following feedback from people who live in the area and regular visitors at Barleycorn, Shelby settled on a lifestyle shop selling products including clothes, homeware, gifts, accessories and more.
She said: “When we took over the space, we really wanted to draw people in and wanted to benefit other businesses and people in Mildenhall.
“The shop had to be retail to do that and so when we discussed our ideas with people, many agreed with us and as it’s hard for businesses at the moment, we hope there’s a bit of a boost in the area now.
“So many things in the shop have a story to it and we sell products from local people as well.”
One of Shelby’s favourite items in the shop are the aeroplane pyjamas, inspired by RAF Mildenhall, and the gluggle jugs have been very popular so far.
Shelby took over the former Hays Travel space in June and has expressed her gratitude to those who have helped set up her new business in the last few months.
She said: “I want to thank so many people but I really want to thank my family for all their support as well as my team who have put up with me and been really patient
“The people that helped to transform this place were also brilliant and they’ve made this place look amazing.
“I’m glad it’s all worked out now and I can’t wait for people to enjoy it.”
The shop is dog-friendly and its opening hours (although subject to change) are Tuesday 10am to 5pm, Wednesday 10am to 5pm, Thursday 10am to 7pm, Friday 10pm to 5pm, Saturday 10am to 5pm, Sunday 10am to 1pm, and is closed on a Monday.
Shelby, who completed a fashion and textile degree at St Martins College of Art in London in the 1980s, also runs two other businesses with the Barleycorn Hub at the Mildenhall Hub and Barleycorn Canteen at Turners in Soham.
