A growing desire to shop local and more sustainably has seen a Cotswold emporium triple in size since its launch 10 years ago.
Now boasting three stores across the Cotswolds, Domestic Science has just expanded its flagship base in Nailsworth to double the size, to mark its anniversary.
The first, and now flagship store, in Nailsworth, opened in June 2013. It was followed by a second store in Tetbury in 2014 and later a third base in Stow-on-the-Wold in 2021.
Focusing on vintage finds, it sells contemporary homeware, beauty, hardware, kids toys and fashion for all the family.
Two of the shops also have cafes, which owner and antiques dealer, Libs Lewis, believes contributes to the stores' popularity.
She said: 'Having an in-house cafe at Tetbury (Cafe 53) and Nailsworth (The Canteen) helps drive footfall to the stores and means that people can make a day of it.
'An afternoon can easily be spent browsing collections with a promise of lunch, tea and delicious cake nearby.'
The new flagship store has taken over the first and second floors of Days Mill in Nailsworth.
Once a water-powered woollen mill in Old Market, the 4,000 sq foot store has doubled in size since its 2023 opening, making space for a more curated shopping experience.
The Canteen, Domestic Science’s popular in-house courtyard cafe is also expanding into the lower ground mill space for breakfasts, lunches and cakes.
Explaining why Domestic Science's customer base has flourished over the last decade, Lewis said: 'We've seen a growing appetite amongst shoppers to create a soulful home by mixing old and new. Since the pandemic lockdowns, people have a different attitude to their homes and enjoy experimenting and making the best of them.'
She also attributes some of her growing success to being based in the Cotswolds — thanks to tourism and loyalty from local shoppers.
Lewis said: 'Obviously the Cotswolds is a very beautiful area with lots of interesting homes and wonderful places to stay.
'We have a friendly bunch of local shoppers at our stores but also people visiting from further afield. All three shops are quite accessible from London, so we attract a variety of customers all year round.'
The new flagship store uses second-hand furniture and repurposed shop fittings to create a lived-in vibe including a dedicated candle area crafted from the original mill window frames, a walk-in pantry fronted with repurposed doors, and an extra long wooden counter picked up from a closing down bakery in Dorset.
Lewis added: 'I love the mix of old and new together. Expanding our flagship store is exciting as it provides a historic, industrial setting to showcase vintage treasures alongside contemporary products, offering shoppers the tools to create a home with soul.'
