Allworths Bazaar is more than just a business—it's the continuation of our family history deeply rooted in Barmouth, stretching back many generations. For years, we dreamed of opening a shop in the town we love. As our own family grew, we noticed how few options there were locally for baby items and, as our children got older, we found ourselves reminiscing about “the old days”—when Barmouth’s shops offered toys and gifts almost year-round, creating a real sense of community.
A few years ago, a local history group launched a Facebook page, sharing old photos and stories of Barmouth’s businesses—some long gone, others just starting out. Inspired by these memories, we began seriously considering our own venture: a business that would offer something new for today, while also evoking nostalgia for parents and grandparents.
Throughout this journey, one sentiment kept coming back to us: “Your grandmother would have been great at this,” or “She could have told you exactly what to do.” That’s when we realised what we were really trying to capture— the warmth and spirit of a beloved Barmouth shop from years past: Aspinall’s Bazaar on Beach Road, where my grandmother worked for many years with the wonderful owners Mr. & Mrs. Ellis.
We spent hours recalling the stories my grandmother shared about her time there, the supportive owners, and the joy of seeing toys and gifts displayed for families to enjoy. Some of the fondest memories were of watching children’s faces light up with excitement as they explored the shop—those moments of pure happiness left a lasting impression on us. I have vivid memories of being a child myself, running up and down the ramps, and even “helping” my grandmother open up the shop on some mornings.
So we decided to start a toy and gift business—one that brings a bit of that magic back. We researched the local and wider market, even visiting the Toy Expo in London in 2024. It was both exciting and a little daunting to see how much things have changed.
After plenty of research and funding applications, we faced the realities of launching a new business. We knew we needed a plan that was both achievable now and could grow into our dream of a physical shop in the future. That’s why we’re starting online, hoping to offer the same warmth, care, and memory-making moments that made those old shops so special.
Thank you for being part of our story. We look forward to welcoming you to Allworths Bazaar—where every order is handled with care, and every customer is part of our community.