Talking Shop

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Kris and Nic Brown run Nics Nacs from an old milking parlour in Rixton near Warrington, Cheshire.

 

Tell us about your background…

Nic and I have been married for 10 years and have three children and a border terrier. We both work full time as well as running Nics Nacs. Nic works in marketing and I work in manufacturing. Since we met 12 years ago, we’ve loved visiting antiques emporiums, picking up bargains here, tehre and everywhere! In 2008 we bought a Victoriam semi in Warrington that had been renovated by a property developer. Sadly, most of the period features had been lost and we spent two years restoring the property with original features and furnishings. In 2012 we had the opportunity to buy Brookside Farm in Rixton, Warrington and we renovated the farmhouse.

 

Why did you open Nics Nacs…

In 2015 our twin daughters were born, and while on maternity leave Nic began to plan our next project. We opened a shop in an old milking parlour behind our house and Nics Nacs began trading. Once the house was finished, I was tasked with filing the building with stuff and we started selling online or by appointment. We began opening on a Sunday and word started to spread. As the number of customers visiting on a Sunday increased, we began renovating the building and expanded the shop.

 

What do you sell?

We stock all sorts, from 5p marbles to an 18th century chest on chest for £1,100. We always have taxidermy as well as ecclesiastical pieces – we seem to be drawn to them. We aim to stock something for everyone: reasonably priced antique, vintage and salvaged decorative items, curios and furniture. We offer a friendly environment in which to browse our goods and we genuinely lovewhat we do and enjoy chatting to others who share our passion. We are always packed to the rafters so, if you like to have a rummage, you will love Nics Nacs.

 

How do you source your items?

We buy from the public, auctions, house clearances, antiques fairs, markets, other dealers and we recently travelled to the Netherlands on a buying trip. Nic, her father Michael and I are all involved in buying stock which means we have a wide range of items. We visit the Lincoln and Newark fairs regularly too.

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