The multi-award-winning independent gift retailer Maybugs is set to open a new store, in Chapel Place within the Kent town of Tunbridge Wells, on November 1.
Maybugs was established in 2018 and currently has three stores in the East Sussex towns of Hailsham (which launched in 2018), Eastbourne (2021) and Bexhill (2022).
The company is owned by couple Greg Rose and John Dale. Managing director – and Gifts Today diarist – Greg has a wealth of retail buying experience, while sales director John has a long career in retail customer service.
Greg said: “We’ve been hunting for the right premises in Tunbridge Wells for two years. We knew where we wanted to be, but because of various reasons and hold-ups, it’s taken a long time. We are just thrilled to finally be bringing Maybugs to the fabulous people of Tunbridge Wells – and just in time for Christmas too!”
John added: “We’ve always had Tunbridge Wells in our sights. Greg and I live in Crowborough [seven miles away in East Sussex], and we regularly shop and socialise in the town. So we know that the locals are going to love what we have to offer, because what we do – and the way in which we present it – is quite different to any other retailer in the town.
“For Maybugs to be expanding out of our Sussex base into Kent is a huge milestone for us. In just six years we’ve built and expanded this business to create a retail brand, and this is a sign of our ambitious opening programme to expand the Maybugs brand and ethos over the next few years.”
Maybugs stores feature a plethora of gifts, including many UK-made and locally sourced items, combined with some of the biggest gift and homewares brands in the UK. Key product categories include candles, bags, jewellery, fashion accessories, toys, cards and fragrance.
The Tunbridge Wells branch will stock some of the biggest brands in the industry including Wrendale Designs, Carrie Elspeth Jewellery, Inis, and Roka bags. John noted: “We’re also delighted to be partnering with Charlie Bears and Fox Under The Moon to bring them to Tunbridge Wells for the very first time. Alongside the big brands will be hundreds of unique and fabulous gift ideas, including brand-new categories for Maybugs such as artisan food gifts and beauty gift sets.”
One of the cornerstones of Maybugs business is that “we are more than just a shop,” Greg proudly says. “We aim to become a community champion in each of the communities where we have stores, and part of this is supporting local community projects and charitable causes.”
Maybugs was awarded the High Street Hero award at the 2023 Small Awards, sponsored by Small Business Britain, for its Artisan Market initiative at its Eastbourne store.