An online store has chosen Cheam for the opening of its first shop.

Sarah and Bendrix opened a gift store on Upper Mulgrave Road today (June 14) after eight years of running the business online.

Veronika Pollard, who operates the company, has wanted to open a physical store for two years.

“It’s a medium size shop,” Ms Pollard told Sutton Guardian. “We are planning to use space at the back of the shop for work-shops and creative events for children and adults in future.”

The online store began predominantly as a wedding gift retailer but has transitioned to more of a “general gift shop” where products from smaller companies are also sold.

Some adult gifts include candles, beds, stationary and jewellery and for children there are wooden toys, soft toys, clothes, games and music speakers among other products.

Ms Pollard explained why she hopes to potentially use the premises as a creative environment as well as a store.

She said: “It will be nice to feel part of the community. The space at the back was one of the main reasons we chose the building.

“It would be a nice space for creative people in the area to meet up, a space not for people to buy things but to meet up with people and do interesting things.”

Sutton Guardian asked Ms Pollard what product she would most recommend.

“Apart from standard items, we personalise gifts for weddings, birthdays, children and anniversaries. It’s a unique service and we can do prints in 24 hours, so you can order something and get it straight away.

“So it’s perfect for last minute birthdays and weddings. It is a nice addition and is something special that we offer. It’s a nice bonus for people that it’s a fast turn-around," she said.

Ms Pollard added that she was excited for people to have the opportunity to look around the store as opposed to solely relying on the website to cater their needs.

The store will open from Tuesday to Saturday and will close on Sundays and Mondays.