WREXHAM city centre welcomed two new businesses on Saturday, August 10, as Chapter Court continues its development.
Ride the Wave, an ocean-inspired clothing and accessories business, and Red Dragon’s Vault, a family-run business selling unique 3D models to support neurodivergent individuals, both opened at 10am.
The two businesses celebrated their grand openings together with cake and drinks.
SJ celebrates opening with a slice of cake (Image: Newsquest)
After trading at craft markets for the last two years, Ride the Wave owners Paul and SJ Roberts were delighted to open their own shop to sell their collection of clothing, jewellery and accessories.
It will be open between 10am and 7pm from Wednesday to Saturday.
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SJ, who hand-makes all of the business’ jewellery, said: “It’s been mental so far! We’ve been so busy, and have had a lot of support from other crafters.
“We wanted a bit more of a permanent presence. We feel Wrexham needs something a bit different like this.
“We want it to be bright, colourful and cheerful, and a place where everyone smiles when they walk in.
Inside Ride the Wave (Image: Newsquest)
“We’re inspired by the ocean, and are all about comfortable clothing. We try to keep prices reasonable, and feel people like pretty things and deserve pretty things.
“We’ve been popular at the markets, so we’ve built up a good rapport with the people of Wrexham. They recognise us, and hopefully will come along and support us.”
Red Dragon’s Vault stocks 3D models which are hand-painted by Jon Williams and his partner, Beccy Cartwright, who started the business online two years ago.
Its opening hours will be from 11am and 10pm on Wednesdays and Fridays, 11am to 7pm on Thursdays and Saturdays, and 11am to 6pm on Sundays. The shop is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Special events will also be hosted at the shop including 'Friday night magic' and games nights.
Jon said: “I’ve run lots of games online and in person before, but this is the first one where I’ve actually owned the shop.
“Three weeks ago, we had no plans to do any of this, so it’s happened very fast, but the amount of support we’ve had from everybody has been unbelievable.
“Our children all have ADHD and autism, and got bored very quickly with playing with things like fidget spinners, whereas these models have faces, so you can give them names and personalities, and play games with them. They seem to have taken off really well.
“It’s needed, and we saw it was needed from what we have at home. Having something that you can hold and play with, it helps them be so much more focused.
“We’ve had feedback from teachers at a lot of schools saying they love having them in the classroom because they don’t make noise and aren’t a distraction, but help the kids concentrate.
Inside Red Dragon's Vault (Image: Newsquest)
“If you come in, my advice would be to try something new. You never know what you’re going to love.
“Pick up everything and try it out – we’ll have something that suits you and your needs. It could be something very personal to you that you might not expect.”
Chapter Court is expected to open fully to the public next spring.
Located in the heart of Wrexham, the courtyard space will provide live entertainment, street food and drinks, as well as plenty of social seating.
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