Inside Horwich’s new lifestyle shop launched by mum and daughter

On Saturday (August 8), The Bolton News attended the launch of This Place, located in the courtyard area of Chill at the Cowshed in Winter Hey Lane.

The chic new lifestyle store sells homeware, gifts and handmade finds, mainly sourced from businesses in and around Bolton.

Upon entering, we were greeted by Jo and Holly Leece, the mother-and-daughter duo behind the business.

Holly, 27, who manages the shop, told us how the venture came about.

Holly Leece next to the wreath Jo’s best friend, Debbie Redfern, decorated the exterior of the shop (Image: NQ)

“It’s been a huge family project that’s brought us together,” she said.

“My dad did the renovation, my sister has been doing the social media, and I’ve put the shop together visually and worked with suppliers.

“It’s a mum and daughter venture, but my mum has been the brains behind it all.”

Discussing her inspiration, Holly said: “I’ve always had a love for homeware. I used to make candles, and I’m starting my own luxury candle and homeware brand.

“This is hopefully a stepping stone to that.

“I’m excited to see what people in Horwich like, and don’t like, about it, and we can grow together as a community.

“So far, it’s gone down very well.”

Jo and Holly Leece (Image: NQ)

Bolton-born-and-bred, Holly also spent some time living in Didsbury, a suburb scattered with independent businesses that has established itself as one of Manchester’s trendiest spots.

“I wanted to bring some of Didsbury’s unique style to Horwich,” she said.

“There’s not much like it around here. It’s something different for everyone to try.

“Working in the shop is my dream and I love speaking to people.

“It’s been a labour of love.”

(Image: NQ)

Holly’s keen eye for design is evident throughout the shop, with her background in film and photography helping to shape its carefully considered layout.

She spent four years as a medical photographer before going travelling with her husband.

“I started that job in lockdown and thought I owed it to myself to see what I would do if it wasn’t for lockdown.

“It’s very different to medical photography,” joked Holly.

Brightly coloured crockery (Image: NQ)

In just over a month, Holly’s dad transformed the former space into a shop just as unique as the items it sells.

Located next to Button Boutique and in the courtyard of Chill at the Cowshed café, the shop has already found a warm welcome from its neighbours.

Asked about her thoughts on the location, Holly said: “They are the most amazing people.

“The women at Button Boutique have been so supportive, as have The Cowshed staff.

Chill At The Cowshed (Image: NQ)

“They have given us so much advice and really helped along the way.

“It’s felt like a community from day one and more than anything, that’s been the best part about it.”

The shop personifies dopamine décor, an interior design trend focused on creating spaces that boost your mood and spark joy.

There were funky in-house prints, with slogans such as “It’s Mint Up North”, as well as brightly coloured crockery featuring sayings such as “good food and good company”.

Quirky cards (Image: NQ)

“We’ve got a mix of local suppliers and interesting suppliers from across the UK,” said Holly.

Walking through the shop introduced us to one of its main suppliers, Lake District brand Bath House.

Bath House was born out of a respect for the natural world and a desire to create skincare and fragrances inspired by the land we live in.

“Their products are really luxurious,” said Holly.

The most popular products so far have been Bolton-based Sugar Spun Sister Chocolates and Mallow and Moo candles.

The shop also sells Studio Black Coffee, a Bolton-owned small-batch speciality coffee roastery.

Studio Black Coffee (Image: NQ)

“We’ve nearly sold out of their coffee in just two days,” said Holly.

Keep up to date with the latest stock and new arrivals at the shop by following This Place on Instagram at @thisplacehorwich.

This Place is open every day except Wednesday and Sunday, from 10am to 4pm during the week and 9.30am to 3.30pm on Saturdays.