A retail outlet in Budleigh Salterton that has stood empty for three years is to be the premises of a new gift and homewares shop. 

The Treasury, co-owned by Jen Mills and Laura Chatterton, aims to ‘elevate the everyday’ by selling high quality items that make routine activities more enjoyable. 

The pair started it as an online business during lockdown, and are now preparing to open up in 19, Budleigh High Street - formerly occupied by Fulfords. 

Jen Mills explained that the idea for it came from the realisation that the way people view their homes and their everyday surroundings changed during the pandemic. 

She said: “Having been forced to spend more time in our homes, we noticed a newfound appreciation of the items people surrounded themselves with. Things like making a cup of tea in the morning became a simple pleasure, a moment to savour, perhaps with your favourite mug and a nice biscuit.  

“We wanted to put a smile on people’s faces during moments that would otherwise pass us by. From washing up with a lush-smelling lavender, peppermint and rosemary washing-up liquid to writing your shopping list on a nice recycled leather notebook – our aim is to ‘elevate the everyday’. 

“We know finances are strained all around, so we have been careful to find that balance of quality and value for money. When we were first talking about what was important to us and to The Treasury, we were reminded of something my mum used to say: 'buy cheap, buy twice' which really resonated with us. So we look for quality products and try to avoid the disposable. We don’t want people to waste their hard-earned money, we want to assure them that we have found items with good design, which are well made, but at the best possible price we can find.” 

Laura Chatterton said: “Many of our items will be sustainably sourced, or made in the UK, or even more locally if possible. We will carry a lot of recycled materials, handmade products and even products that support wider causes. We feel that consumers are more interested in where their purchases are sourced and wanted to be mindful of supporting small businesses who also prioritise this.” 

The Treasury will be launched with an open day on Friday, October 21 from 10am.