Owner of two quirky gift shops named finalist for ‘independent gift retailer of the year’ across the Midlands and Wales
The owner of two quirky gift shops in Northamptonshire has been named a finalist in an award category for ‘independent gift retailer of the year’ across the Midlands and Wales.
Lindsey Scott-Walker established Feather Robins Gifts in St Crispin Retail Village in September 2022, in the hope of becoming a one stop shop for all customers’ gifting needs.
A year and eight months on from launching the business, Lindsey opened a second store in Weston Favell Shopping Centre in May 2024.
However, the founder made the sad decision to close her original shop in St Crispin Retail Village in March 2025 due to a massive increase in costs and a decrease in footfall.
As the end of the lease neared at the Duston premises, Feather Robins Gifts secured a new shop in Sheaf Street, Daventry and Lindsey opened the doors at the start of October last year.
Feather Robins Gifts has now been named a finalist at ‘The Greats Awards’ across the Midlands and Wales, with the winners to be announced at a swanky ceremony on May 14. Lindsey has been successful in the ‘independent gift retailer of the year’ category.
The Greats Awards, now in their 24th year, were launched by Progressive Gifts & Home to recognise and reward the UK’s best gift retailers. They are acknowledged as accolades of excellence, and all finalists were decided by an industry-wide poll of gift suppliers, reps and agents.
Talking about how she felt when she found out the news, Lindsey told the Chronicle & Echo: “I was really excited, particularly as it’s such a huge area across the Midlands and Wales. To have made the final six is incredible.”
Lindsey has no idea who nominated Feather Robins Gifts but would love to know so she can thank them for the kind gesture.
“The recognition would be lovely for the hard work put in to make Feather Robins the community it is in both locations,” said Lindsey. “The start of the year has been so tough and our business rates at Weston Favell Shopping Centre have gone up by £792.
“It’s huge and we’re wondering where we’re going to find another £66 per month, but this award nomination is a bit of hope. January and February were hideously tough with sleepless nights, and I had to make massive changes in the business to secure its future.
“The world has been so dreary but March so far has been excellent. People really bought into Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day.”
Lindsey started this venture with the dream of opening 10 shops across the country and now she has reduced that to five. The ambitious founder believes winning this award would be helpful in making that dream a reality.