Away from the hustle and bustle of the malls and high streets, @Fernavenue is set to be a revelation for the region’s shoppers, offering a wide range of exclusive products from a number of different suppliers, all under one roof.

The business, which occupies the building formerly known as the Little Theatre Antiques Centre, in the Antiques Village on Fern Avenue, was the brainchild of owner Barbara Oliver.  A former Civil Servant, Barbara jumped at the chance to set up her own business and despite just opening in December 2006, the store has already welcomed a flock of visitors through the doors. Barbara explained: “I was a Civil Servant for almost 28 years, but I’d always wanted to do something a bit more creative.

In November 2005 I set up a small mobile boutique business called All About You, which is now a concession here at @Fernavenue, selling exclusive ladies handbags, jewellery and accessories. It became very successful, mainly through word of mouth, but I always had a gut feeling that it would move onto something else”

In April 2006, the opportunity came up for these premises and when I came to have a look, I could immediately see the potential. The location was perfect as I think this end of Jesmond really needed something different.  The neighbouring areas have developed a lot in recent years and although there’s a great deal of untapped potential here on Fern Avenue, it’s well established because of the Antiques Village which attracts people from all over the Region.  We also have off-street parking which is rare in Jesmond or Newcastle!

“I didn’t want just an ordinary shop, but rather somewhere that other people could use to promote their businesses without high costs and overheads.

“We’re trying to offer an exclusive and eclectic mix of top-end products that you can’t ordinarily find on the High Street”.

@Fernavenue currently sells beautiful items from a total of 18 different concessions, with everything from antique furniture and tapestries to contemporary furntiture, handbags, jewellery, clothes, shoes, soft furnishings, artwork and other stunning accessories for the home.

Despite the many items available, @Fernavenue is as far as you can get from the jumble-style approach of many outlets.  Instead the light airy premises lend themselves perfectly to the venture and more than enough room to accommodate an occasional table displaying handbags here and a sumptuous sofa there – with much more in between.

Barbara added; “We want to make sure the store remains fresh and interesting and our suppliers travel far and wide to source new products.

Throughout the year, we’ll be doing special offers and promotions.  I’m also keen to take the business further by hosting events here, such as Art Exhibitions, Fashion Shows, Coffee Mornings and shopping evenings.

It’s a new business so it’s going to take time to evolve and grow organically.  We’ve had a fantastic start and can’t wait to see what the future holds”