New shop with ‘stunning aesthetic’ opens in Nottingham City Centre

It has been quite the two weeks for Little Plant Guys as they opened their second location on Derby Road next door to Universal Work’s new shop. Nottingham plant lovers will already be familiar with the stunning interior, array of leafy green plants and Larry the dog who has already been given a corner in the window to the delight of regulars.

Owner Phil Gaskin took over the shop earlier this year and announced the launch of the second location on social media. Little Plant Guys have become known for their beautiful shop layouts, laid-back and friendly atmosphere as well as expert advice on all things horticulture.

Julia Beadle is based at the new location and has been helping with the shop. She feels reaction to the new store has been incredibly supportive.

“It’s been really positive as we’ve just had a soft opening but it's been great. People who shop with us in Beeston have come over to have a look so it's been lovely and supportive. A lot of people in this area have come in to have a look or buy something which is nice,” she said speaking with Nottingham World.

“People feel like there is a buzz going on in this area and it can only get better so that feels great.”

“Phil has been on about opening a shop for a while but it had to come at the right time and be in the right spot because it makes a huge difference. He knew Universal Works were going in next door so he took the plunge and got in touch with the landlords who liked his idea.”

There is a bit of a resurgence happening on Derby Road as many new businesses are taking over former empty units. This has breathed new life into the once vibrant street bringing it back to life, and bringing customers back to shop there once again.

She added: “The landlords have got a stretch of properties down this road such as Tough Mary’s Bakehouse, Universal Works and Little Bricks. It gives you faith in the landlords because they don’t just want anyone in here, they have been selected which is amazing. These are such beautiful buildings and it's a good spot here as people drive past and see you as well as students and it's close to town.”

The interior of the new shop is, quite simply put, stunning with quirky touches such as an old sink brimming with leafy plants, hanging displays of dried flowers, huge towering plants bursting from oversized pots and drawings of Phil and Larry, the dog on the walls.

“Most people say it's nice when they walk in because as a plant shop, it's not what you expect. Phil’s background in interior architecture along with his love of plants means he has mixed the two really well. People keep coming in to take photos and it all goes hand in hand so the way it is all put together sells the products that we have,” she said.

When it comes to plants, there is a huge mix of eye-catching spotted begonias to tiny succulents to the Swiss cheese plants that are every 1970s-inspired household must-have.

“It’s a real mixture but the mid-price range plants always sell well. We have sold quite a few of the big plants too which is maybe due to the area we are in because it's a bigger shop. We carry the larger ones here because we have more space but the mid-price range ones appeal to everyone,” Julia said.

“We get a lot of people coming in who said, oh, I’ve passed by and I’ve seen you doing it up so they wanted to pop in. The Little Plant Guys, the brand, catches your attention along with the plants in the window and it's impressive.”