UP CLOSE in Maldon with ‘Just The Gift’ – the new High Street shop selling mugs, cards, and novelty gifts

By Ben Shahrabi 8th Jul 2023

Local News by Ben Shahrabi 8th Jul 2023

Keen-eyed Maldon shoppers may have spotted a new addition to the High Street in recent weeks, in the form of 'Just The Gift'.

Witham couple Amy and James Morris opened their new shop in Maldon on June 3, opting for the town's more competitive business rent prices.

"In Witham, a shop the same size as this could cost more than twice the rent," Amy says.

"We only live a few miles down the road and have always loved coming to Maldon. It's got a really nice community feel."

Next door to Maldon Methodist Church, Just The Gift stocks a variety of presents and homeware to suit all tastes. The range includes sweets, ornaments, mugs, and cuddly toys.

Just The Gift also produces personalised mugs in-house and features a risqué selection of tongue-in-cheek presents for the bolder customer.

Amy said: "We try to cater a little bit for everyone, but our biggest sellers are the very rude mugs. The ruder the better!"

Customers can have mugs personalised with their chosen pictures, names, or phrases in the style of their favourite TV shows and movies.

Just The Gift stocks an array of creative mugs, with some bought-in and some personalised in-house. (Photo: Ben Shahrabi)

This is Amy's first business, having previously managed several others. Most recently, she was manager at the YMCA shop in Witham, and still volunteers there once a week.

She said: "I work a seven-day week now - here for six days and then I volunteer at the YMCA on a Sunday. There's no rest for the wicked!"

Just The Gift is open from 9am until 5pm seven days a week, with Amy's friend filling in on Sundays.

Amy recalled: "I turned 40 this year, had a midlife crisis, and decided I'd open my own shop!"

Husband James has encouraged Amy to pursue her passion, while she has taken the lead.

"He's always been very supportive of whatever I want to do, so he's come along for the ride with me," Amy added.

Before Just The Gift, the shop was previously home to Go Vape Maldon.

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