LOCAL gift shop Flutter and Fern has officially marked its one year anniversary since setting up in Carlisle city centre.

The quirky shop on Rosemary Lane sells colourful and unique products from small businesses and makers in the UK.

The business was established by local artist Joanne Palmer, and officially opened its doors on October 12, 2023

Inside the shopInside the shop (Image: Lauren May Photos)

And on the same date this year, Joanne, her family and her regulars celebrated one year of success at her city centre location, which has only grown bigger and better in the past 12 months. 

Joanne said: "It's been great, we can't believe how well it has gone. We have had people visit us from all over the country and some even diverting through Carlisle whilst on holiday to visit the shop."

Joanne encourages everyone to visit, even if they want to just hang outJoanne encourages everyone to visit, even if they want to just hang out (Image: Lauren May Photos)

The support of the local community, and other businesses in the area, has been a major factor in Flutter and Fern's success. 

Joanne added: "It has been amazing, where we are in Treasury Court we have a great group of businesses and we all look out for each other and support one another. It's a really thriving part of the city with so much to offer!

"Over the last year we have formed great relationships with our regulars, we get to know them and they get to know us."

There have been plenty of changes to Flutter and Fern over the past year, with products now on offer on the newly-renovated second floor, while Joanne also changes stock around every few months to keep things looking fresh. 

The new upstairs areaThe new upstairs area (Image: Lauren May Photos)

Joanne doesn't just want Flutter and Fern to be a shop, but also a community hub where people can relax and feel at their creative best. 

She added: "We want people to feel like they can come and hang out without the need to purchase anything. Not everyone has a space at home where they can be creative and we hope our shop can be that space."

After one year in Carlisle, Flutter and Fern has established itself as a hotspot for creatives in the city, and Joanne's dream of opening a second location could well soon become a reality, if its first year of success is anything to go by.

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