Jeremy and Catherine, owners of beloved indie gift shop Podarok at 12 Bene’t Street, Cambridge, share their story…
How did you come to own the business?
It was a fortuitous event as we heard that Podarok was for sale from an acquaintance. After much deliberation we realised that both of our skill sets were perfectly aligned with Podarok. We saw it as a great opportunity to become further involved with our local community and to keep this much-loved gift shop at the forefront of the Cambridge retail scene.
What should people visit you for?
If you want different or quirky gift ideas (for yourself or others) then we have you covered. We have a stunning array of homewares (think bright and funky lampshades, tableware and ceramics) and are known for our handbags, which we ship all over the world. We also cater for the little people in your life with our fun Kids Corner. But, what we really pride ourselves on is that we are a small, independent retailer that can always find the perfect match for the customer.
Despite all the complexities and challenges of running an indie business in the current climate, what keeps your passion alive?
We love helping people find something special. A gift is more than just a product – it’s a way of showing appreciation, love or celebration. Being part of those moments, supporting independent brands and makers and creating a welcoming space for customers keeps us motivated.
Which are your favourite other local indie businesses?
For fabulous crime literature, Bodies in the Bookshop is a great addition to the Cambridge scene. But we always have to give a shout out to the fabulous Bread and Meat, our Bene’t Street neighbours.