ARTISAN STORE AT WORLD OF WEDGWOOD EXPANDS TO HOUSE THE HANDMADE GIFTS OF ALMOST 60 STAFFORDSHIRE MAKERS

Josiah and Co at World of Wedgwood opened it’s doors in October 2021, stocking the handmade goods of over 30 local artisans, exclusively found in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire. Since then, Josiah & Co has become a staple at the gold-award winning tourist destination in Barlaston, Stoke-on-Trent, stocking the most beautiful handcrafted items; from reclaimed beer-bottle candles to original artworks and textiles. Over the last two years, the store has gone from strength to strength, connecting local creatives and inspiring them to network and collaborate – in turn creating a real hub of creative activity in the heart of the city. The much- loved shop that used to be located in the former museum gift shop, has become such a success story that it has now packed it’s bags and moved across the way to a space four times the size of it’s original location, where it opened it’s doors just 18 short months ago. The new space – the sites former Factory Outlet – has now been transformed into a brand-new looking Josiah & Co; packed out with the handmade goods of just short of 60 local creatives, including authors, florists and jewelry makers. The space now offers a cool and relaxed sit-down area – both outdoor and indoor – and coffee facilities which make it feel less like a retail space and more like a home away from home. Laura Cook, who project managed both store openings at the World of Wedgwood says ‘I am so proud of Josiah & Co. It has become a much loved part of the site and it not only gives our guests the opportunity to shop local, but for local artisans to reach a wider – even international – audience. This shop is about supporting and investing in our local creatives, which is at the heart of everything we do’. The name ‘Josiah & Co’ is of course inspired by Wedgwood founder and Master Potter, Josiah Wedgwood, who founded the brand in 1759. World of Wedgwood boasts it’s original 1940’s working factory, Creative Studios, Wedgwood Store and Wedgwood Tea Room to name a few of it’s amenities. Josiah & Co’s move comes at an exciting time of expansion for the site as new neighbors ‘Sixtowns’ by Bro’s Distillery opened their doors to their cocktail and gin bar last month, and Michelin star Chef, Niall Keating, opened his doors to his experiential restaurant, Lunar, in November 2021. Lunar have just announced their expansion too as May sees the opening of their fresh produce store ‘Lunar Storehouse’ which will sit next to the new Josiah & Co store as they work in partnership in supporting local businesses by stocking local products and produce. They are set to open their side of the shop on Saturday 3rd May 2023.