Sweet start for new Barnard Castle shop

A sweet addition to Barnard Castle has made a flying start during its first days in business.

Bowes Occasions, which took over the former Daisy Rose shop in the Market Place, stocks cards and gifts – and specialises in old-style confectionery.

So if you’re craving Cola Cubes or fancy a bag of bon-bons, this is becoming the place to go.

“It feels like there’s a bit of a market for retro confectionery,” said Tracey Bowes, who opened the new shop earlier this month.

“There’s any number of people coming in and saying ‘you can’t get this any more’.”

The shop also sells greetings cards and gifts – with cards priced from just 59p – and Tracey reports lots of positive feedback in her first few days.

Originally from Consett, Tracey, who lives in Cockfield, was inspired to set up her own business after working for Helen Goodard at Decorating Centre Online.

Helen and her sister, Dragons’ Den star Sara Davies, have a popular podcast for entrepreneurs and small businesses and after listening to that, the idea for Bowes Occasions was born.

She’s now enjoying the ambience of Barney’s bustling high street.

“It’s a lovely little market town,” Tracey said.

“The other traders have come in and introduced themselves.

“In the past, I worked in Bishop Auckland, on the new retail park, and it felt like nobody came and talked to you.

“Here we have independents, and they are much friendlier.”