I'm afraid I'm a bit of a shopaholic.

In the days before computers made it easy to find anything at the click of a mouse, I, along with my fellow packaging designers would scour the shelves of supermarkets, chain stores and little shops in the name of research.

It was, of course, vital that when we were given a new brief that we would become immersed in the products and marketing ploys of our client's competitors. One of the first things we would do on receipt of a new brief was 'go shopping'. We would often come back laden with all manner of goods that then adorned our desks while we worked on the project in hand.

These days it's is not always necessary to hit the shops in the name of research but I still can't resist a spot of browsing. I am not easy to go shopping with, I will wander around for hours just looking and taking it all in. My ideal shopping companion would have to be a fellow designer who, like me can't get enough of a retail environment.

As it happens I do have such a friend, (we go way back to those 'research' days) and in an attempt to satisfy her joy of shopping she has gone that bit further and opened her own shop. It's a cute little affair in the market square of the quant Cambridgeshire town of Potton. It's a real cornucopia of gorgeous designer gifts, art and things for the home.

Now I wouldn't be much of a friend if I didn't give her a little plug so... if you are ever in the area, it's really worth a visit and you will always get a warm welcome and a chat too. The shop has only been open a few weeks but the signs are good, they have had to restock several times already! There will be a website in the new year where you will be able to buy online. In the meantime you can find the shop on Facebook and in Potton of course if you are passing.

www.facebook.com/elephantandfeather

www.elephantandfeather.com

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