Couple open new 'Mother Goose' cards and gift store in Blackburn

The Mother Goose Card Shop is managed by Michael Baines and wife Karen Julia who opened the doors to their new store on Redlam, opposite the surgery on Monday following the easing of government Covid restrictions.

Michael said it had been tough for many small businesses like theirs with lockdown closures and they were glad to be finally welcoming their first customers into their newly decorated shop.

“This is a whole new venture for us and it is great to be back open after so long.

“We have been closed for much of the past year so it has not been easy.

“The lockdown actually began on my birthday. When we were open for a few months in the summer the changes were noticeable. Customer confidence was down. People were just careful coming out.

“It is good to have our own store and this spot is perfect for us as we are able to sell more items.”

The couple, both 62, took over the lease to the property last September and have redesigned the interior completely.

The Mother Goose brand actually started off as a baby shop. “We then started selling gifts and it has gone on from there,” said Michael. “In the beginning I used to sell stuff in car boots until my son told me it would be better to have a stall.”

As well as cards for special occasions, the store sells a range of candles, picture frames, burners, birthday banners, balloons and mugs.

Michael said: “It used to be an insurance brokers but we have given it a great facelift. We have been working on the new store for month. We had time to redecorate the interior and there is more space for us to sell what we want.

“We were at Darwen Market for six years. It was good but you are restricted in what you can offer.

“It is a nice shop front on a busy road so hopefully we more people will pop in for a browse.”