INDEPENDENT gift retailer, Melantha Gifts, is celebrating a fantastic first 12 months at Stretford Mall, during which business has boomed.

First opened in March 2014 and originally located in the market hall in Walkden, Salford, owner Helen Farrell made the decision to return to the town where she spent many of her formative years, and decided to move her business to the centre.

“It’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,” said Helen. “Things were changing in Walkden and I took the decision to come back to Stretford. I grew up here and felt it could be a really good fit for Melantha. I’m over the moon with how things have gone since moving here.

“From the moment I opened my business in the Market Hall a year ago, I’ve been made to feel so welcome by everyone here, both retailers and shoppers. I’ve been able to build up a really good base of regular customers, my takings are up and it’s just a really good community feel here in the market. It definitely feels like I’ve been here longer than a year, but in the best way possible.”

Stretford Mall Centre Manager, Gareth Wilkins, said he was thrilled with the success that Melantha Gifts has achieved since arriving at the centre.

“It’s been a great first year at Stretford Mall for Helen,” said Gareth. “The store has become really popular within the market and Melantha has really become a part of the community here at the centre. I’m very much looking forward to seeing what the future brings for Helen.”

With a focus on scented candles, incense, dreamcatchers and memorial products, Helen said that the store has developed a reputation as being the perfect place for quirky gifts or those looking for something a bit different. “I’ve really grown and developed my customer base since coming to Stretford Mall and I really don’t have what you’d call a ‘typical’ customer.

“The sense of community within the Market Hall has also really helped that. When one of us has a customer that is looking for a specific item or gift, everyone is really good at pointing them in the right direction if they don’t have it. It means I get a great range of customers, something that I don’t think I’d get anywhere else.”