IT'S taken 22 years, but Lesley Alexander has finally opened the shop she had been dreaming about running since the Millennium.
Vintiques welcomed its first customers through the door of its Bath Place outlet on Monday (November 14).
Since then, the business, which offers "vintage antique and a little bit of chic", has been visited by plenty of shoppers and browsers.
"It's been 22 years in the making," said Lesley.
"The very first day I walked through Bath Place after coming to live locally, it gave me a sense of peace.
"It's got such lovely shops and I thought, 'I really want to be here'."
Lesley stocks antiques such as a 1920s clock, vintage items from the 60s and more modern ones from the 1980s, as well as soft furnishings, chairs, chests and modern mugs.
There are also vegan candles and diffusers, eco-friendly upcycled throws, all kinds of lamps and much more.
She sources her stock in this country and also from The Netherlands, Belgium and France.
"I've been wanting to do this sort of thing for such a long time," added Lesley.
"My partner runs a transport business called DJF Demenagement importing and delivering things such as I stock.
"I went on a few trips with him to visit antique dealers on The Continent and I fell in love with it all.
"Now I've opened this shop, he picks up stuff for me that I have sourced for customers.
"Lots of people have come into the shop since I opened on Monday, coming in to see what it's all about.
"One person even knocked on the window after I'd closed to buy a lamp they'd seen in the window.
"If someone sees something they like, I'd recommend them to get it. If they don't take it when they see it, they could be disappointed."
The most popular items so far have been Chinese jewellery boxes - Lesley sold three in the first two days and has ordered in another lot for next week.
She said: "It's all about what the buyer wants.
"The cheapest items range from £5 for someone who wants to buy a little treat for themselves up to a chest costing £1,100.
"I try to cater for everyone."
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