Owner looking to sell Finesse gift shop after 18 years in Leigh

A diverse gift and home accessory store, 'Finesse' launched on Bradshawgate in 2005, which fulfilled Catherine Coffey's long-term goal to start a business that offered "beautiful home products that didn't cost the earth".

Priding herself on offering products that range from next-to-nothing bargains to more luxury items, Catherine has built a loyal clientele in Leigh, who often like to sit and share stories with the friendly business owner.

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However, after almost two decades in the town, the grandmother-of-five said she feels like it is the right time to move on from the business.

Amassing a huge variety of products over the years, she hopes that someone with "new blood" can purchase and take over the business, rather than shutting Finesse down for good.

Finesse offers a wide variety of gifts and home accessories, from the affordable to luxury (Image: Leigh Journal)

Catherine, 56, said: "Gifts and house accessories have always been a passion of mine, and it was one of my dreams to open my own shop that sold beautiful house products that didn't cost the earth.

"It's been a privilege to open the shop for so long but it just feels like the right time to move on.

"I have five grandchildren now, and there are a lot more things I want to do without being tied down to the shop because it's just me who works here.

"It feels like the chapter is coming to an end for me and Finesse, but I would love someone with new blood and enthusiasm to take on the business and continue supporting the community in this way."

Finesse has offered a variety of products to shoppers for the past 18 years (Image: Leigh Journal)

While the pandemic and cost of living crisis inevitably created a "turbulent time" for the independent business, Catherine said that it has been her job to continue finding products that people can afford while having less money in their pockets.

Selling products such as mirrors, lamps, chandeliers, and dressing tables, Finesse has proven to be a popular and welcoming place for town centre shoppers, and one they will miss without Catherine at the helm.

Finesse has become almost like a second home to customers in Leigh (Image: Leigh Journal)

Catherine, who worked as a midwife before launching Finesse, added: "The shop has almost been a second home to some customers, who love to come in, take a look around, and have a chat.

"I have shared so many memories with customers and have had so many lovely messages saying how they will miss me here.

"There are some lovely little shops in Leigh, and I think this is a little gold mine with lots of potential, so I hope someone can take it over and push it forward." 

Finesse gift shop, on Bradshawgate (Image: Leigh Journal)