A banner year

Despite the struggles we have all faced over the past year, Julie Oats and the team at The Grey Lurcher in Falmouth have remained incredibly busy.

Showcasing a carefully curated selection of contemporary gifts and homewares, this popular Falmouth shop also stocks a variety of cards, gift wrap and French soaps, along with a selection of shaving products. It has proven a big hit among new and returning customers alike; so much so, that despite the ongoing effects of the pandemic, the past year has been a momentous one The Grey Lurcher.

“Returning from the first lockdown,” explains Julie, who owns the store, “an amazing opportunity presented itself. A property that we had always loved had become vacant on the High Street; number 20 was up for rent and as our lease was about to end, we went for it. After establishing ourselves on the street, the new shop would enable us to move to a more prominent position.”

We moved in August and we haven’t looked back since, and interestingly,” she continues, “because we were in the same shop that had stocked Annie Sloan paint many years ago, our paint sales went up.

Of course, moving in the height of summer was something of a leap of faith. Nevertheless, Julie and co spent a couple of weeks renovating in preparation for the big move. “Paint brushes were the order of the day,” laughs Julie, who explains that within a couple of weeks, the new premises was re-decorated and ready for stock to be moved in. “We moved in August and we haven’t looked back since, and interestingly,” she continues, “because we were in the same shop that had stocked Annie Sloan paint many years ago, our paint sales went up.”

But it’s not just a new move that kept The Grey Lurcher team busy during 2020. Locked down again in November, they decided to open a pop-up shop at The Old Market in Chacewater – an amazing food and plant market, right in the middle of the village. “That worked so well that it has now become one of our permanent outlets,” says Julie. “We are open daily in the market, and happy to drop any products from the Falmouth shop there for you to collect.”

Keen to keep up their momentum, the team’s outlook for the year ahead looks as busy as the year just gone. As Julie says: “We haven’t been resting on our laurels during this latest lockdown either, and the spring will see the launch of our brand-new website!” This means you’ll be able to access the wonderful array of products that are currently only available in store. To make sure you’re among the first to hear about its launch, be sure to follow The Grey Lurcher on social media. 

The Grey Lurcher
20 High Street
Falmouth
TR11 2AB