New Sunderland shop FruFru & Friends is a treasure trove of crafts

A new shop is aiming to bring more footfall to a Sunderland high street with its range of handmade arts, crafts and treats.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

FruFru & Friends has transformed a former dog groomers in Ryhope Road, Grangetown, into a one stop shop for crafts.

It’s been brought to the city by businesswoman Jean Ross who set up her online FruFru business in 2015, selling her homemade bathbombs, soaps and body butters online, as well as at craft markets.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

She said: “I’d always wanted a shop but because of illness, then the pandemic, there were delays. I kept looking though and this came up.”

FruFru & Friends in GrangetownFruFru & Friends in Grangetown
FruFru & Friends in Grangetown

As well as her own products, the shop sells items from crafters across the North East, many of whom Jean has met at craft markets over the years.

As a result, the shop is stocked with all manner of things, from dog treats, bibs, gin glasses, floral art and jewellery to local artwork, fudges, cheeses, chutneys and toiletries.

Jean said: “A lot of markets were affected by Covid. Plus, it’s difficult when you’re trading with the sun melting soaps and wind is also a factor. So it’s great for everything to be all under one roof. You can come in and get something for any occasion.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"A lot of our existing customers have come in, and we’ve also made new customers from people passing. People have loved it and say they wish there was more independent retails shops like this in the area.

Fru Fru & Friends local handmade gifts shop opens up in Grangetown. Owner Jean Ross.Fru Fru & Friends local handmade gifts shop opens up in Grangetown. Owner Jean Ross.
Fru Fru & Friends local handmade gifts shop opens up in Grangetown. Owner Jean Ross.

"It’s a busy street and it’s handy for people as they get three hours of free parking over the road, and they don’t have to go into town.”

Speaking about the name, she said: “It’s called FruFru & Friends because I stock arts and crafts from friends, but also because we class our customers as friends. Even if people don’t buy anything, we encourage them to pop in and just have a look around.”

In the coming weeks, Jean also plans to start hosting arts and crafts sessions for adults and children at the shop, including bathbomb painting sessions.

:: FruFru & Friends is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm.

Related topics: