FANS of a soft toy brand have travelled to Colchester from as far away as Manchester after a gift emporium in the city put a huge stuffed animal on display.
Bill & Berts, a gift and homeware shop in Sir Isaac’s Walk, is currently home to a giant stuffed Jellycat toy in celebration of the brand's 25th anniversary.
The larger-than-life-sized toy of the firm's mascot Jack is currently on a world tour, and its first stop was in Colchester before it prepares to head abroad.
The furry giant arrived on March 25 and will leave the store on Monday before embarking on a tour, stopping off in countries such as Australia and Canada.
According to store owner Bill Nettelfield, some hardcore Jellycat fans have travelled more than 200 miles to the store to catch a glimpse of the humongous feline.
He said: “We have one of the largest displays of Jellycats in the country.
“I suggested to them to bring him to Colchester and Jellycat agreed. So, we’re the starting point of his world tour.
“People have come as far as from Leeds, Manchester and Southampton here just to have their pictures taken.
“We’re very fortunate here in Colchester and it was great to see so many people come from all over just to have their picture taken.”
Bill & Berts is now celebrating two years since expanding into the neighbouring property.
Mr Nettelfield first set up the store in August 2019, with business partner Sarah Charlton, taking over the former Karen Millen store.
Just shy of three years later, in March 2022, he then also moved the shop into the building next door.
Mr Nettelfield launched the shop after leaving the Calendar Club brand which he helped bring to the UK.
On his retail success Mr Nettelfield said: “I’ve worked on the High Street since the 70s, starting with Lilywhites.
"I then opened a furniture shop in Halstead, ran a gift shop called Amy’s in Cheltenham for ten years, and set up the London Aquarium Gift Shop.
“When you come into Bill & Berts, it’s more like a personal shopping experience. It used to be the nationals that provided the best customer service but now it’s the independents.
“Independents have to give themselves a point of difference and customer service could be it.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here