Contemporary store “& PARTNERS” is celebrating its first year in business, and its owners have also spoken of their delight at the community of neighbouring boutiques that have helped make the area a “one-stop shop”.

Peter Lapsley and wife Andrea Sundt’s gift shop is in the Vallis Building on Par-la-Ville Road, close to the junction with Front Street. It opened last December, right before the Christmas season.

The boutique is mainly focused on designs, gifts and jewellery made by Bermudian, Scandinavian, American and Australian designers.

The couple saw a niche in the market for their brand and decided it was time to open the boutique.

“My wife and I both have an arts and design background and we designed the whole store ourselves,” said Mr Lapsley.

Mrs Sundt mentioned that each item tells its own story.

“My background is Norwegian and Swedish, which is how we found the Swedish brand Skultuna. One of their pieces we sell is called The Lily candle holder. My great grandmother had these holders which were passed down through the generations to my mother. They were originally created in 1939 from solid brass, and are a lovely legacy gift,” she said.

Other international items sold at the shop are, General Knot & Co, originated in the USA, which produces vintage fabric bags, ties and more. HAY Design from Denmark, selling Geometric trays and Memo Bottles from Australia.

They also support local makers such as, Rebecca Little Jewellery, Alex Davidson, Beelovers Beekeeping Bda, Laura Elizabeth, Catherine White, Concrete works and Chris Cabral.

“Before you leave the store most of the items are gift wrapped if required. We aim to please,” said Mrs Sundt.

The couple are also very excited about the new developments in the Vallis Building, which is shared by a number of other shops and businesses.

Mr Lapsley said: “We are really excited about the other stores that have moved in around us, like Alexandra Mosher Studio and Milan Milan. And with the other great shops and restaurants already in the Vallis Building you have a great variety of choices for shopping and even spa treatments at Orchid Spa.”

Mrs Sundt added: “It is like a one-stop shop around here.”

Other shops in the Vallis Building facility include Boutique CC, Nonna’s Kitchen, Yo Cherry and Glaze Bakery.

The stores will be open for the late night shopping this Friday. Holiday hours are 10am to 6pm on Monday to Thursday, and until 8pm on Fridays. Saturday closing time is 5pm, while Sunday hours are 11am to 4pm.

For more information visit instagram: @andpartnersbermuda, Facebook:@andpartnersbermuda website: andpartnersbermuda.com, or call 296-5250