A Bournville wool shop that has been run by two generations of the same family is set to mark its 50th anniversary.
Christine’s Wool Shop, which sells yarn, wool, haberdashery, patterns, and ladies and children’s clothes, was first opened in 1976 by Christine Davis.
Today the shop on Sycamore Road is managed by Christine’s daughters Julie, Caroline and Sally who have seen their business bolstered by new, younger customers.
Julie, said: “We get more young people and students coming into the shop since Covid and shows like the Great British Sewing Bee and social media have had an influence.
“We see 18–20-year-old who don’t work to patterns like some of our other customers. They’re very creative and are particularly interested in sustainable fabrics. Although we try to cater to all budgets and tastes.”
And it’s not just younger people the shop is welcoming. Customers from as far away as America, Australia and India have all shopped at the store, keen to buy British wool.
But whilst customers from far-flung locations are always welcome, it’s the local community that holds a special place in the sisters’ hearts.
Caroline, said: “We have one lady who has been coming into the shop since our mom opened. She knits for her grandchildren and now great grandchildren. Our mom was loved in the community and we’ve grown up here – it’s a lovely place.”
As an independent business, their most significant challenges are competing with national stores and the rising costs of energy bills and raw materials. But Julie and Caroline see opportunities too and have a rallying call for local people.
“Supporting local shops – and not just us but the whole parade – is really important. Please support local! We both knit and crochet so we can give advice and guidance whereas some of the bigger chains may not be able to offer that. We like a chit chat too!”
Victoria Burnett-Rogers, Commercial Property Manager at Bournville Village Trust, said: “We’d like to wish Christine’s a very happy 50th anniversary. It’s great to hear of the wide variety of customers that are using the shop, from young people to those who have been shopping there for decades.
“Managing commercial units and premises like those on the Sycamore Road parade helps us generate income we can invest back into sustaining communities where people can thrive.”
Christine’s will be supporting the UK-wide Yarnstravaganza from 26th September-3rd October 2026, which aims to raise awareness and support for knitting and yarn shops across the country. They will end the week with a 50th anniversary celebration on Saturday 3rd October 2026. Follow Christine’s Wool Shop (known as City Knits online) on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cityknits or go to www.cityknits.co.uk for future details.
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