Spotlight on Ramsbottom: Little Treasures

Reporter: Marcus Chippindale
Date online: 15 December 2010

What was your favourite toy when you were a child?

The scalectrix set in the spare room was my pride and joy for a number of years, slowly transforming from a simple loop track with two Formula One cars flying round into a complex arena of hairpins and grandstands, with a whole paddock full of vehicles ready to go for a spin.

For many kids today the answer would probably be their Xbox, and if it’s not then that’s probably because they don’t have one.

Fortunately though there is still hope for the traditional toy makers of this world, and this Christmas there’s sure to be a few hand crafted gifts under the tree alongside Apple’s latest gizmo.

One couple that have worked hard to promote the idea of more conventional toys are Caroline Duthie and Jamie Donnelly, who run Little Treasures in Ramsbottom.

Awarded the prestigious 'Best Independent Toy Shop in the North of England and Scotland 2008' by the British Toy and Hobby Association, they have used all their expertise to craft a reputation based around their individual designs and friendly service.

Following the birth of their daughter Erin in 2006 the couple decided to embark on the venture that has seen them gain national acclaim.

Miss Duthie said: “I found it difficult to find the right toys for Erin so decided to open a shop selling what I couldn't find in other shops. I had a full time job at the time as a Purchase Ledger manager for a very large company, but decided the three hour commute every day didn't fit into the lifestyle I wanted for bringing up a family.

“Initially I opened the shop whilst still working, but with the support of Jamie decided to leave my job and concentrate on our new business.”

Mr Donnelly’s experience of designing and making bespoke kitchens, which were even supplied to some well-known soap stars, plus his trade in cabinet making, allowed them to create unique children’s furniture, which has since been sold to a host of famous faces nationwide.

The toy shop originally opened in Rawtenstall in November 2006, selling individually selected products from around the world, but the couple decided to expand and in May 2008 relocated to their current property on Bolton Street.

“We chose Ramsbottom as we believed it had a fabulous selection of individual shops and felt ours would fit in nicely,” said Miss Duthie. “Jamie fitted out the shop to make it unique and fun, our vision of what a toy shop should be.”

Getting to play with toys every day would seem like a good job to anyone, and Miss Duthie says they have certainly enjoyed the experience so far.

She said: “I love so much about running the shop. It's great when a delivery comes in, unpacking the new toys, setting some up for display.

“It's like being a child again as we need to know the product well so that we can advise customers on which products are suitable for their children.

“We have some lovely people that come into the shop and we build up a relationship with a lot of them.”

These are difficult times for every small business, but Little Treasures are doing everything they can to set themselves apart from the competition, especially with Christmas right around the corner.

Children who visit the shop can send a letter to Father Christmas through the special Santa’s post box, with each one getting a reply, and anything that comes flat packed can be assembled in the store.

Miss Duthie said: “I turn into one of Santa's little elves at Christmas as I put so many toys together!”

With a new website launched this year and some fresh furniture ranges on the horizon, including a sports car and a magical fairy range, things are looking good for these pioneers of traditional toys.

Miss Duthie said: “Our aim is to be the best children’s furniture manufacturers in the country.”