Hatton Shopping Village, the quintessentially English destination in Warwickshire, is welcoming several new businesses to complement its mix of 20 unique and independent retailers as Christmas approaches: Boo & Bear, Elrosé Clothing, Hatton Ceramics, Big Paws for Thought and The Sweet Shop.

While many businesses on the high street have been forced to close as a result of the pandemic, Hatton has been bucking the trend despite the uncertainties and obstacles 2020 has brought. Situated outdoors in the Warwickshire countryside, the shopping village has enabled its visitors to benefit from plenty of fresh air and space to socially distance in a COVID safe environment.

Boo & Bear is led by Sophie Evans, a Warwickshire wedding and photographer of 15 years. It produces timeless, natural shots of children and their families from that first maternity onwards  and  also sells a range of unisex childrenswear and accessories. Sophie says: “We’re delighted to have opened our studio at Hatton which was once a cart-house within the old farm buildings. Hatton has such a lovely atmosphere, and we are really excited about what the future holds.”

Elrosé Clothing offers timeless sophistication for the modern woman featuring classic staples with a contemporary twist from day through to night, all year round. Moving away from expensive items that can only be worn for a few special occasions, they provide distinctively chic, and flexible fashion that is flattering, stylish and suits women of all ages.

Hatton Ceramics is an upmarket gallery and pottery shop which features unique and original ceramics - with mugs, teapots, bowls, plates, vases, planters, and lamp bases ranging in price from £4 to £200. Gallery owner, James Suckling, says: "We've been made to feel very welcome since opening our new gallery and shop within the shopping village. Every item is lovingly hand made by one of our 10 exhibiting UK potters, each piece representing their own style.”

Big Paws for Thought is run by wildlife Biologist and Conservationist Bridget Fry who captures the beauty of these animals through her photography. She launched Big Paws for Thought to promote her unique photographs and sketches with profits going to the Big Cat conservation.

The Sweet Shop offers a range of sweet treats, gifts, flowers, and chocolates - an adventurer’s playground for big kids to relive their childhood memories and for children to make new ones.

Johnnie Arkwright, owner of Hatton Country World (pictured here), says: “Being in the countryside has been a real plus for the small local independent retailers at Hatton. We are thrilled to welcome a number of new, unusual shops to complement our ‘Not on The High Street’ rule - just in time for Christmas Shopping and the Outdoor Christmas Markets that we now feature every weekend. It is amazing how resilient our small retailers have been with the forced closures of 2020 but equally how keen our customers have been to support local independent shops. The pandemic has made us all appreciate what treasures we have on our doorstep in Warwickshire.“

Hatton Shopping Village houses some 20 independent shops including an inspirational garden centre and farm shop created by TV presenter Lottie Newitt, along with jewellers, antiques, furniture, gifts and home accessories, an electric bike shop, gin distillery, hairdresser and cafe which is serving takeaways.

Hatton Shopping Village has FREE entry with masses of parking. For more information on the new shops please visit the website at www.hattonworld.com/shopping-village.