Weymouth: Artisan Island has whirlwind opening week

Artisan Island, a shop selling hand made gifts and collectables, recently took over part of the former Weymouth Boots unit on the St Thomas Street side.

Ian Lambert, 61, from Weymouth, has signed a 10-year lease to take over part of the former health and beauty store and transform it into an expansion of his smaller store located in St Mary Street.

The new shop has now been open for a week, with Mr Lambert revealing that business is ‘brilliant.’

Ian Lambert (Image: Ian Lambert)

The store had an official opening ceremony which saw Weymouth Mayor Jon Orrell cut the ribbon and welcome visitors.

Mr Lambert said: “We had a few hundred people through our doors on the opening day and was very busy compared to the other shop.

Despite its popularity, the owner revealed that there is still ‘plenty of room’ for new sellers and are ‘taking on new traders every day.’

Artisan Island (Image: Ian Lambert)There is a large variety of goods to choose from in the new store, including clothing which the smaller store does not offer.

Mr Lambert added: “The store has completely changed since our open day. I am knackered, it’s been a whirlwind, but I have fully enjoyed it.”

The businessman has now secured the upstairs area of the unit and has big plans in mind with what they could do with the space, for example, he is looking at potentially delivering workshops or even expanding the store up there.

Artisan Island (Image: Ian Lambert) READ MORE: Former Boots store to be revitalised

Not only has the expansion meant that 500 people from all over the world can sell their work, but at least two managerial jobs have been created.

Mr Lambert still has no plans of shutting down the other shop which he took over seven-months-ago.

Artisan Island (Image: Ian Lambert)