New homeware shop is minted for success

Where can you buy a garden flamingo, a quirky money box and a glow-in-the dark pineapple all in one place?
Christopher Dell, left, and Paul Cheshire at White Mint, BerkhamstedChristopher Dell, left, and Paul Cheshire at White Mint, Berkhamsted
Christopher Dell, left, and Paul Cheshire at White Mint, Berkhamsted

The answer is White Mint, which has opened its doors to customers in Berkhamsted.

Business partners Christopher Dell and Paul Cheshire say they hope shoppers feel they have brought ‘a little bit of Brighton or Shoreditch’ to the High Street.

Christopher, who also works as an IT consultant in the town, said: “It’s always been Paul’s dream to own a shop, so when the unit came up I gave him a push and encouraged him to go for it.”

Paul gave up his job working for the Kennel Club to set up the quirky homeware store, which began as a market stall in the town.

The pair found there was a demand for niche, unusual homeware items and 
Christopher revealed White Mint shares its Bovingdon-based supplier with top-end London retailers such as Liberties and John Lewis.

The 32-year-old, who lives with Paul at their home in Old Mill Gardens in the town, said: “Our home is a reflection of the shop – the walls are grey but then you have lots of colourful stuff shining out.

“We’ve also lent some items to Ideal Home Magazine and others. It’s always strange to see an item from your shop in a glossy mag!”

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