What does Maud’s Attic gift shop in Ipswich sell?

I was there just shy of lunchtime on a Wednesday, and it was great to see people once again going back into the town centre on their lunchbreaks, presumably getting a head start on their Christmas shopping.  

I was off to meet Wendy Childs, the owner of Maud’s Attic, to find out more about her shop and the secret to her long-standing success.  

Wendy, along with her two sons, John, and Robert, all own shops next door to one another. Wendy has Maud’s Attic, John The House In Town, and Robert owns Revival. 

A real family affair, all three have their own niches and specialities, yet somehow still complement each other. 

But I was there to speak to the retail empire’s matriarch. 

Wendy Childs (Image: Charlotte Bond, Archant)

As I stepped into Maud’s Attic, I felt like a kid in a candy store, and my eyes couldn’t help but fixate on everything in my line of sight.  

Every wall was filled with hangings and mirrors galore. Trinkets, jewellery and finery adorned every shelf and surface.  

Born in Ipswich, Wendy previously lived in London and Canada before coming back to her hometown 

“I came here 26 years ago and had a lot of furniture from my house to sell. I rented this shop for three months and used it to shift our old furniture,” she says. 

During this time, Wendy would also buy things off customers - becoming quite the avid antiques seller. 

“From there, it got huge, and we’d go out and buy bits to sell here. Back then we didn’t have the internet so I had to learn it all myself.  

“Then one of my sons came into the business and we bought the shop next door. And by that point, I’d had enough of selling antiques, so I decided to go into new furniture, lighting, giftware, jewellery, and ladies’ accessories.” 

Wares and trinkets for sale at Maud's Attic (Image: Charlotte Bond, Archant)

Wendy has since successfully made the transition into more contemporary wares – something she has happily been doing for two decades now.  

But where does the name Maud’s Attic come from? It‘s an homage to her grandmother, of course. 

“My granny Maud used to bring me shopping down here when I was younger, so I named it after her,” explains Wendy.  

Jewellery and trinkets for sale at Maud's Attic (Image: Charlotte Bond, Archant)

Walking around the shop, it’s easy to become distracted because there truly is so much to see. 

Wendy describes furniture, mirrors, lamps, and lighting as the backbone of the store, while everything else is an added, fun bonus. 

Inside Maud's Attic (Image: Charlotte Bond, Archant)

“Socks and scarves are always big sellers, as are signs, and handbags. Jewellery too, costume jewellery is especially popular.” 

When it comes to deciding what to stock, Wendy admits she keeps her eyes peeled for the quirky and unusual. 

“Preferably, I want things that aren’t your average. I’ve got these owl bags over here,” she points out. “I don’t want just your everyday handbag. I try to cater for all ages, and it’s definitely a mix. The word people use is ‘eclectic’.” 

And eclectic is certainly right. Some of Wendy’s biggest sellers at the moment include anything Frida Kahlo-themed, gonks (just in time for Christmas), and vintage signs. “We’re always evolving, to keep up with the trends,” she adds.  

Trinkets and jewellery for sale (Image: Charlotte Bond, Archant)

“I always sell masses of jewellery, too. I’ve had people come in here and say to me ‘I’ve been coming past here for years but I didn’t dare come in as I thought it was too expensive,” - but that couldn’t be further from the case. An average ring is £12, and necklaces cheaper. There’s plenty in here that’s £5 or under, so anybody can pick something up. I like to think of it as stylish but attainable.” 

With reasonable prices, a fabulous selection of stock, and a charming owner, it’s not hard to see why Maud’s has been consistently successful throughout the years.  

But Wendy adds some of that success is down to the people of Ipswich, and the community of independents that has flourished over the years.  

Wendy Childs (Image: Charlotte Bond)

“We have a huge connection with the street, because the three of us have shops here. They’re all different, but we are very much nevertheless a family business, and we see our shops almost as a mini department store. I love trading here in Ipswich, and this street especially has a great community. Everyone here works hard and is here to stay – it's a totally different calibre of shop owner compared to when I first came here. We just had a street market at the weekend which was well-attended.” 

Wendy says she and her family, who all live on the street too, are fully committed to St Peter’s – and that she’s thankful for every customer that passes through.  

“The people of Ipswich are good and they do support us. We wouldn’t have been here for 26 years if we weren’t supported.”