Catforth indie stores to hold shopping event amid challenging retail climate

Cosy Culture Home doorway — Cosy Culture Home is hosting a shopping event with neighbour Rose & Miller

Two recently launched independent stores in Catforth are set to hold a special shopping event.

Cosy Culture Home and Miller & Rose Dog Boutique opened towards the end of 2024 at Roots Cafe at Blackleach Farm.

Cosy Culture Home is a homewares shop run by Keara Mulvaney-Slater, offering upcycled and reupholstered furniture, chunky knit merino wool blankets, handmade cushions, and a variety of homewares. Each piece of furniture is unique, handpicked, and worked on by Keara, who is passionate about breathing new life into old pieces that might otherwise be discarded.

Neighbouring Miller & Rose is a dog boutique owned by Fiona Handley. The store started online and offers carefully selected products that come in a range of beautiful designs by Fiona’s friend and textile designer, Natalie Hartwell.

The stores’ Spring into Summer event will take place on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 May, and will see new ranges launched with special discounts, goodie bags and more.

The event is an attempt to generate more awareness and interest in the shops, amid a challenging retail climate.

Here we ask Keara and Fiona what life is like as small business owners operating on the outskirts of Preston.

Cosy Culture Home

“The idea for Cosy Culture Home began taking shape over three years ago,” said Keara.

“My dream had always been to have my own shop and, in November 2024, I made that a reality by taking the leap of leaving my full-time job to open Cosy Culture Home.

“The journey so far has been a mix of highs and challenges. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see the local community support. There’s a shortage of independent retail shops in the area, and people appreciate being able to see and feel the products in person before buying them.

“However, like any new business, it hasn’t always been smooth. We’ve faced hurdles such as our posts being hidden on social media, struggling to drive traffic to our website, negative comments about the location and hearing people opt to buy from large online retailers rather than ourselves. Alongside this, there have been a few quiet days in the shop, which have been hard.

“But, I am learning from these experiences and trying to find ways to grow, develop and provide products that people want. My focus for 2025 is to keep growing the business, both in terms what we offer and in getting our name out there.

“My ultimate goal is to establish Cosy Culture Home as a go-to destination for your homeware needs. I am grateful to everyone who has been there for me so far – from the friends and family who have supported me, to the customers who have come in. The encouragement and belief means the world and helps me stay motivated to move forward.”

Miller & Rose

Fiona told Blog Preston: “I have always had a passion for animals, particularly dogs. I went to Myerscough College to gain my degree in Animal Behaviour and Welfare and later worked for Guide Dogs, where I learned a great deal about dogs’ needs and their care.

“This experience inspired my career path, and I’ve always known I wanted to do something where I could combine my love for dogs whilst also running my own business.  In 2016 I left my role to focus on my family, and in 2023 I started Miller & Rose online.

“The idea of opening a physical shop grew over time as I received more support from customers and such positive feedback. Opening the physical shop in November was a huge milestone and a dream come true, and it’s been an exciting journey ever since.

“Every product we offer is chosen with care to ensure it’s not only fashionable but also functional for dogs and their owners. From durable harnesses to unique accessories, we focus on quality and making sure each item enhances the bond between pet and owner. As well as stocking our own branded accessories, we have a wide range of products from quality well-known brands.

“The boutique offers a personalised shopping experience, where customers can find products that are tailored to their dog’s needs, and I am always happy to offer advice or recommendations based on my expertise.

“Seeing the local community respond so positively to the boutique has been a highlight. I’ve enjoyed meeting new customers, learning about their dogs, and receiving great feedback about our products.

“Challenges have included managing both the online and physical store, as well as adapting to the ever-changing retail landscape. But with each challenge, I’ve learned and grown, and it has made the experience even more rewarding.

“Looking ahead, my goal is to continue growing Miller & Rose and establish ourselves as a trusted name in the local community and beyond. I hope to expand our product range even further and potentially introduce more services for dog owners, such as grooming or events.

“Ultimately, I want the boutique to be a place where dog lovers can find everything they need for their pets in one place while receiving personal, expert advice. I also look forward to building more connections with local businesses and contributing to the vibrant community in Catforth.”

For more information, visit the Cosy Culture Home website and Miller & Rose website or follow on social media.

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