Shop dream comes true for two South Tyneside women

A shared dream and a chance conversation has led to two women joining forces to launch their own vintage and antique business.
Carol Gibson, left, Mayor and Mayoress Coun Richard Porthouse and wife Patricia, and business partner Pam Gemma.Carol Gibson, left, Mayor and Mayoress Coun Richard Porthouse and wife Patricia, and business partner Pam Gemma.
Carol Gibson, left, Mayor and Mayoress Coun Richard Porthouse and wife Patricia, and business partner Pam Gemma.

Carol Gibson always knew in her heart that one day she would like to run her own second-hand shop.

Following a chance conversation with her hairdresser who she’d know for years, Pam Gemma, the two women joined forces to launch DeJa Vu Old and New.

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The business, based in Albert Road, Jarrow, sells antique and vintage furniture as well as provides a base for independent traders to showcase their creative products.

Mrs Gibson, who was a business development manager before launching the joint venture, said: “I’d been talking about having a second-hand business for a long time, but after I fell ill I put it to the back of my mind.

“Once I was back on track healthwise I started talking to Pam again, and before we knew it we had signed for a building.

“I always thought there was something missing in the town and this is something a little bit different, and hopefully it will bring more people into the town.

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“We opened last week and the feedback has been brilliant. We have had one lady get on two Metros to travel from Sunderland as well as people from in other areas liking and sharing our page.

“We are already looking at expanding to include a garden section.”

Mrs Gibson who lives in Fellgate, Jarrow, added: “It was hard when we first started setting it up as because we hadn’t been established for two years it did make things a bit harder.

“But once we got one supplier, things started to fall into place.

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“We go to auctions and car boot sales to look for items and where people request certain items we will try our best to find them.”

Already a number of independent traders from the area are now showcasing their unique items within the store.

Mayor of South Tyneside, Coun Richard Porthouse, officially opened the shop alongside the Mayoress, his wife Patricia.

The shop is open Monday to Saturday, from 9.30am until 5.30pm, and Sundays, 10am until 4pm.

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For information and images on what is on offer at the shop, visit the Facebook page www.facebook.com/dejavuoldnew

Independent traders interested in showcasing their items can call in or contact 07718 620663.