Two businesses with loyal followings have joined forces to share the same premises.
Blondie Brownie, known for their delicious baked treats, and Turners, the wine, cheese and deli, have decided to share a shop.
The Pendle businesses made their debut at Colne’s Food and Drink Festival on Saturday July 29, and the move to share a shop comes after Blondie Brownie wanted to expand into Colne, citing its vibrant atmosphere, jam-packed events schedule and independent high street as some of the reasons why.
But after struggling to find a suitable premises, Jane Turner, who co-owns Turners with husband Steve, had an idea.
She said: “We’re so excited for this move. Natalie and Kayleigh from Blondie Brownie wanted to come to Colne for a long time, but couldn’t find the right space.
“Steve and I had a discussion and decided we could ‘ShopShare’ with them.
"We were delighted that they opened on the same day as the food festival, we saw hundreds of people out in support of Blondie Brownie, the other Colne businesses and, of course, the traders organised by Independent Street."
Blondie Brownie’s Kayleigh Blacklock added: “We wanted to create a space where we’d love to gather with friends and we feel like we’ve done that.
"We’re so excited to become part of the Colne family in our new home at Turners.
"We can’t wait to see everyone enjoying a brew and brownie.”
Business partner Natalie Craig shared the sentiment and said: “We’ve wanted a Colne space for a long time and shop sharing at Turners is perfect for us.
"Our loyal customers said they’d love to have somewhere to sit and chat with our sweet treats, and now they can.
"Turners itself is stocked with loads of goodies too, so it’s definitely a laid-back foodie destination in Colne.”
The partnership is the first of a ShopShare campaign being launched by Colne Business Improvement District (BID).
It will match businesses looking for affordable space with those which have space, but may have too much or may want a helping hand with bills.
Aneesa McGladdery, Colne BID manager, said: “We know the current economic climate means many businesses are finding it increasingly difficult to manage costs.
"ShopShare is a great way to match Colne businesses together and we hope this Blondie Brownie-Turners collaboration is the first of many ShopShares.”
The Colne Food and Drink Festival was the perfect time for the launch.
On July 29 Colne saw dozens of traders set up shop in the town centre, along with cocktail demonstrations, children’s crafts, performers and circus acts and more.
The event was a collaboration between Come to Colne, Colne BID and Independent Street.
Independent Street is known for its high-quality artisan markets with a huge variety of stalls.
Blondie Brownie will continue to have their counters at Barnoldswick and Barrowford.
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