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The Bee Friendly Store at Nene Court in Wellingborough

Buzzing about bees! Explore The Bee Friendly Store at Nene Court in Wellingborough.

The Bee Friendly Store is creating quite the buzz since it opened in October 2024. This sweet little shop, run by the lovely Andrea, is a hive of activity, knowledge, and passion for all things bee related. With around 40 independent shops and small businesses at Nene Court, it’s the perfect spot to explore, catch up with friends, eat out, and treat yourself. And The Bee Friendly Store is a must-visit for anyone looking to shop local and learn about the vital role bees play.

We loved meeting Andrea whose passion for bees and nature oozes from her. Andrea told us:

My love for wildlife and the outdoors began when I was young. I loved helping my mum in the garden and was fascinated by all the plants, flowers, and, of course, bees. I always dreamed of becoming a beekeeper, but life as a busy mum of 3 boys made that challenging! So instead, after a career in retail and becoming a mum, I started making needle-felted bees and other nature themed products that I sold with a friend.

As the business grew, so did my ideas. It was during my recovery from back surgery, when I began sketching my vision and I created a mood board that eventually became The Bee Friendly Store. When Nene Court introduced its box park containers for small businesses, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to bring my dream to life.

The Bee Friendly Store is a beautifully welcoming space, brimming with natural products that celebrate the magic of bees and nature. Inside, you’ll find:

Local honey: Sourced from 8 local beekeepers, perfect for a natural treat or even as a remedy for hay fever.

Beeswax products: Luxurious candles, lip balms, and skincare items made with all-natural ingredients, there are even some for pets!

Gorgeous homeware and accessories: Unique pieces that make wonderful gifts or additions to your home.

Beautiful cards: for every occasion, with a personal touch.

My family have been a wonderful support for me, they are always lending a hand and cheering me on. The business has sparked lots of interesting conversations! My dad helped to build the naturally styled units, and fit the shop out. I especially love the honeycomb style shelving he created for the honey display.

Since starting the business, I have made brilliant connections with other small businesses and I stock lots of locally made products, it’s wonderful working together. I’m proud of what I’ve achieved so far and pinch myself quite a lot! I’ve recently partnered with Henderson Connellan estate agents to create a dual-branded “Beekeeper’s Cottage” candle, a delightful gift for new homeowners which is so exciting. I’m always thinking ahead and my head is buzzing with ideas around launching experience days in conjunction with local beekeepers, which will give customers the chance to learn even more about bees and their care, and I hope to expand one day as well as develop my website.

I love meeting my customers and hearing their feedback to ensure I’m stocking products they truly love while also offering something for every budget. Retail is constantly evolving, and it’s so important to stay connected with your customers’ needs. Word of mouth has been incredible for me; I’ve been lucky to welcome loyal returning customers and even those who have travelled specially to visit the shop.

You’ll often find me chatting away to my customers and answering their questions about bees, which as pollinators are vital to our ecosystem. They play a crucial role in supporting biodiversity, agriculture, and the food chain. Without them, many of the plants and crops we rely on would struggle to thrive. My mission is to raise awareness of their importance while supporting local beekeepers who work tirelessly to protect these amazing creatures.Andrea - The Bee Friendly Store

The Bee Friendly Store is open:

• Tuesday to Friday: 10am to 3pm
• Saturday: 10am to 4pm

With free parking and plenty of other fantastic businesses to explore at Nene Court, you can easily make a day of it. Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift, a little self-care, or just want to learn more about the fascinating world of bees, The Bee Friendly Store is the place to bee!

So, buzz on over and discover the magic for yourself. Andrea can’t wait to welcome you.

Support this wonderful local business by:

• liking the The Bee Friendly Store Facebook page and following The Bee Friendly Store Instagram
• popping into the shop to say hi!
• visiting The Bee Friendly Store website
• leaving a positive review online
• telling your friends about them

Last updated 16 January 2025