By Beth Doherty
Twitter:@bethdmedia / @new_valleynews
Instagram: @bethdohertymedia / @newvalleynews
Nestled in the heart of Warminster is Iris and Olive, a luxury gift shop full of beautiful knick-knacks and ethical gifts.
Carlee Towl left the army in December 2019 to start Iris and Olive. Since, they have opened during a new business during a pandemic, closed because of another lockdown, and moved online to continue their sales.
“We really want to open our doors as soon as possible,” Carlee told New Valley News.
“We wanted space on the high street for a browsing experience, where we can get to know the locals, create a sense of community, and offer something new and different. It’s a very lonely time for people at the moment, and having shops like ours open is really important for the community.”
Since being closed during the second lockdown Carlee has been offering click and collect, and free local delivery. “It has been great to see more of Warminster which we have not previously explored,” said Carlee.
Iris and Olive support small, eco-friendly businesses, and stockists who donate to charity. One of their suppliers, provides chocolate bars, biscuits and soaps, which showcases art produced by adults living with learning and physical disabilities. “We like to stock gifts that have a story or meaning behind them, so when you give that gift to someone you can tell that tale too,” explained Carlee.
Iris and Olive’s mantra is “buy less, buy better.” Their shop, filled with candles, mugs, hot water bottles, wooden toys, and stocking fillers, ensures your gift is meaningful and supports, what Carlee calls the ‘kindness economy.’
“It is so special to be a part of people’s gifting experience. With the right gift, it can say “I am here for you”, even when you can’t physically be there,” added Carlee.
Visit Iris and Olive at Unit 2, 1 Market place, Warminster BA12 9AY, or shop online:
www.irisandolive.co.uk