THE Emporium Somerset is looking forward to celebrating their eighth birthday.

Located at Clifton House in Wellington, the shop is home to 70 plus local makers and small businesses from the area.

When speaking to the County Gazette, Cato Cooper, co-founder, said: "We are based in a converted Victorian chapel near the cinema in Wellington.

"It's basically a retail shop, the landlords added another floor because the chapel is super high. So we've got three floors, it’s massive.

"Eight years ago, my husband and I really wanted to give local makers a chance to have a little business but without all the extra costs that come with running a shop.

"When you do that, you end up spending so much money and have barely any money left.

"We thought we would give them a chance to have a unit with us, they pay the rent and we sell their wares, they don't have to work in the shop."

Customers who venture into the 5000 square foot shop can expect to see everything from soft furnishings, jewellery, arts and crafts, furniture, gifts and more.

Somerset County Gazette: The inside of the store.The inside of the store. (Image: Cato Cooper)

On April 25, The Emporium Somerset will be celebrating their eighth anniversary in style. Recently, the shop have been offering customers the opportunity to enter into a giveaway, which will be a hamper filled with goodies.

To enter, simply make a purchase in the shop.

Gift vouchers can also be won by following The Emporium Somerset's Facebook and Instagram pages.

On Saturday, April 29, golden tickets will be hidden around the shop, which can take £5 off any purchase.

Somerset County Gazette: Those who find the ticket get £5 off their purchase.Those who find the ticket get £5 off their purchase. (Image: Cato Cooper)

Cato continues: "We're quite lucky, because we've been going for so long and have got a really loyal customer base.

"Some people come literally every week, some people come twice or three times a week, some people come once a month. It is very very consistent.

"Because my husband is a software engineer, we have, from day one, kept track of all the stats of how many people come every day, what they spend per person.

"Even during Covid times we did really well because we had fantastic support from the Government.

"We had our best year last year."

Please visit The Emporium Somerset website for more information and to explore the store with a virtual tour.