Packed weekend of fun for indie retailer’s ninth store’s first anniversary
IC&G’s Barley Bear was a VIP guest at a very special Henry & Co event as the independent retailer celebrated the first anniversary of its ninth store.
Named after owner Mark Rees’ son Henry – with the co being siblings Lucy and Alice – the indie stores came about as a rebrand from their previous Penmark name, with all of the group’s outlets now trading under the Henry & Co name.
With Barley Bear as the special guest over the recent weekend celebrations in Ashbourne, there were colouring competitions, free raffles, balloons, free goody bags, promotions on products and free ice cream and chocolate treat products to taste.
“We raffled a fantastic hamper,” Mark said, “filled to the brim with gifts and treats from Herdy, Henry & Co Fragrance, Thorntons, a King Charles III coronation mug, and much more – and the raffle was free, all customers needed to do was ask for a ticket in store.”
The inspiration for the new store concept, which offers a curated collection of cards and gifts in a retailing environment with a very contemporary feel, came out of the family time Mark spent with his wife Katy and their three children during lockdown.
The business was originally started by Mark’s parents in 1991 and, as both are now retired leaving him as md and owner, he decided on the reset in December 2020 to put the next generation’s stamp on the stores, with the Ashbourne outlet opening last May
Mark said: “Teaming the enthusiasm and compassion of our children with a desire to rebuild our business seemed logical. Our son Henry had already shown his creative flare with a passion for cooking, and entrepreneurial skills over the summer of Covid, opening an outdoor pop-up store on our driveway so his friends could safely buy Father’s Day cards and gifts.
“And our daughters Lucy and Alice had talked at length about Daddy’s shops and set up their own store selling pictures to family members for 5p each.”
“Henry & Co is a brand and shopping experience that delivers now and for years to come. At the forefront of our thinking is the essence of inspiring togetherness. We want to give a platform that brings people together through emotive cards and thoughtful gifts.
“If the pandemic has taught is anything, it is the value of being together, nothing can replace the joy and warmth of a hug, but we also know that cards and gifts are a wonderful way to show we care.”
Top: Henry and Lucy Rees meet Barley Bear
