The East Sussex-based independent gift and homewares chain Maybugs launched its third store, in Bexhill-On-Sea, on Friday (July 1).
The retailer’s co-founders Greg Rose and John Dale invited Bexhill-On-Sea’s Town Mayor Councillor Paul Plim to officially open the branch by cutting the yellow ribbon, alongside other local dignitaries, business owners and representatives from the Chamber of Commerce.
Greg said: “Once again, we are just stunned by the love for Maybugs! Customers were queuing to get it an hour before opening. We know our existing customer base will love the new store, as all their favourites are there, plus lots of exclusive things just for the Bexhill store. However what I find most exciting is watching new customers discover us for the first time. It’s a bit like David Attenborough on a discovery to a new planet with all the ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ as customers work their way around the store inspecting every inch!”
Maybugs is like our child, and it’s just so special to see it grow and blossom. You’d think by the third one it would get easier, but this store was particularly hard work to get ready
John Dale
John added: “Maybugs is like our child, and it’s just so special to see it grow and blossom. You’d think by the third one it would get easier, but this store was particularly hard work to get ready. But with the help of our fabulous team and superb suppliers, we pulled it off! We are just so proud. We may be a small independent business, but we like to think we can give the big shops a run for their money!”
Maybugs opened its first store in Hailsham in 2018, followed by a second branch in Eastbourne in 2021. It stocks a huge array of quality gifts, homewares, jewellery, toys, fashion accessories and fragrance with price points ranging from £1 to £1,500 from brands including Jellycat, Wrendale Designs, Sophie Allport and Carrie Elspeth, plus locally-made merchandise including soaps, artworks, greeting cards and textiles. Greg & John also own Flowers by Maybugs: a contemporary florist in Hailsham that opened in 2019.
Greg commented: “Part of our ethos is to not just be a shop, but to be part of the community too. So in addition to sponsoring the Hailsham Hockey Club and Eastbourne Pride, we are thrilled to have partnered with Charity For Kids – a local children’s charity that provides help for disabled, sick, and terminally ill children – by launching its 2023 Bexhill fundraising calendar.”
Earlier this year, Maybugs won the Independent Gift Retailer Of The Year – London, South, South East & East Anglia category of The Greats Gift Retailer Awards 2022 and was nominated in the Best High Street Business category of The Small Awards 2022 run by Small Business Britain. It is also a finalist in the Best Greeting Card Retailer Newcomer or New Branch category of The RETAS Greeting Card Retail Awards 2022 (the winner is due to be announced on Thursday July 7).