A WELLINGTON shop which helps support over 70 local businesses and makers is looking forward to celebrating its ninth birthday.

The Emporium Somerset, a converted chapel on Mantle Street, sells a wide range of products, many of which are produced by female-led small businesses.

Cato Cooper, the co-founder of the store, told the County Gazette: "It's an old converted chapel, we've got three floors.

"We have lots of different units, some really big and some really small, 85 per cent are women in business.

"We take on local makers, this shop is all about supporting local, it makes it very unique and different.

"Most people say when they come here that they always find something different.

"We've got everything from jewellery, furniture, gifts, plants, bags, scarves, rugs, antiques, you name it, we have it all.

"I'm really really proud."

Staff at the store will be celebrating the landmark anniversary.

Cato explained further: "Saturday, April 20 is Record Store day.

"Record store day is a national day where all the new, limited edition albums are released.  

"We have a record shop in the Emporium and will have queues starting from 6am eagerly waiting to get their hands on their albums. Doors open at 8am. So exciting.

"Then on April 25 we will celebrate our ninth birthday for the shop. I really feel it’s such an achievement, for any small business to be honest, to still be going at such tough times. First Covid and now the recession.

"Luckily we have a very loyal client base.  To celebrate this week we start off by handing out three £10 gift voucher on Wednesday April 24, Thursday 25 and Friday 26 via social media (Facebook and Instagram).

"On our birthday we will announce the lucky winner(s) of a hamper full of items from the shop, all donated by our generous traders.  Last year we had three to give away worth over £100 each!

"Lastly on Saturday April 27 we will hide Golden Tickets throughout the shop. All worth £5 each and people can hand these in and deduct £5 from their purchases.

"Then, on Saturday evening, we all collapse."

Traders at The Emporium Somerset include Alice's Attic and A Twist of Somerset, to name a couple.