Welcome to Best Shops, a new global Wee Birdy series that goes back to my roots – when I first started uncovering London’s best independent stores and hidden gems. Now, I’m taking you inside some of the most delightful, original, and beautifully curated shops around the world. I’ve chatted to the shopowners themselves to share their stories, standout finds, and the special details that make each shop truly worth a visit – whether you’re planning a trip or just love to browse from afar.
RE is a home accessories store in Corbridge, Northumberland, that feels like stepping into another world, where the past and present, the mass-produced and the handcrafted, the practical and the playful, all collide in a joyful, eclectic mix. Founded by Simon Young and Jenny Vaughan, two former fashion designers, RE opened its doors on 7th November 2003 in a converted workshop at the back of a filling station – an industrial space that lends the shop a down-to-earth, authentic atmosphere.
The inspiration behind RE
The concept for RE was born from a desire for a new challenge. “Before RE we both had careers in fashion design,” says Jenny. “Armed with years of experience designing, developing collections, planning and compiling comparative store reports, we decided we wanted a new challenge: to set up shop, selling lifestyle and home accessories. Our concept was to mix old and new, mass produced and hand crafted – an eclectic mix in a unique environment.”
Inside the store
Inside, the shop is divided into ever-changing environments: garden, kitchen, textiles, china room, haberdashery, toiletries, and more. “Customers have a unique experience in store with colour, pattern, music, fragrance, humour, and the unexpected, round every corner,” Simon explains. The curation process is refreshingly simple: “We just have to like it!”
Ethos and sourcing
Jenny and Simon are passionate about offering products with a story and a conscience. “To differentiate the brand, and as creative entrepreneurs, we developed REgd., our own range of unique products designed in-house and produced by local craftspeople or trusted manufacturing partners around the world,” they share. “Although our products come from far and wide, we have a strong philosophy of working with Fairtrade organisations where we can, and local co-operatives to ensure fair pay and working conditions. From India to Guatemala, the Philippines to Bangladesh, we are proud to work with companies who produce beautiful homewares for us, fairly and ethically.”
Standout collections
A particular highlight is RE’s French stripe collection – a quietly joyful celebration of classic design – which I’ve previously posted about for those seeking covetable, timeless stripes. Their candles and candle-adjacent buys are also not to be missed, offering a playful, atmospheric touch that’s become a signature of the shop’s ever-changing displays.
RE’s seasonal collections are always beautifully curated, with their Christmas line-up in particular standing out for its outstanding presentation and abundance of unexpected finds. As Jenny and Simon share, “We are also excited about our new Christmas collection that we’re working on at the moment and will be in store in October – it promises to be amazing and definitely something to keep an eye out for.”
One of the shop’s most beloved items is the collection of vintage Hungarian glass bottles, where old mining community members collect single-use plastic-coated detonator flex and reuse it to decorate vintage glass bottles with intricate handwoven wire patterns. “Recycling at its best and most beautiful, each one totally unique,” says Jenny.
Heritage and milestones
RE’s heritage is a source of pride. “Since those early years we’ve gone from strength to strength, winning Homes & Gardens Retailer of the Year in 2011,” Simon recalls. “In the same year we opened a pop up in the prestigious London store Liberty, followed by a concession in 2012 which ran successfully for the following two years. In 2014 we opened a Christmas pop-up at The Baltic Gateshead.” In 2023, to celebrate 20 years in business, they commissioned artist Jonny Hannah to create a colourful globe, “the world according to RE,” which featured many of their iconic products and their countries of origin. “We were selected by House & Garden to be on their ‘50 of the best independent design shops in the UK’ list, and we won House & Garden Independent Shop of the year 2025.”
Wee Birdy verdict
RE is a shop for anyone who relishes the thrill of discovery and the charm of the unexpected. Every visit feels like a treasure hunt, with lively displays and unique finds that capture the imagination – both in-store and online. Whether you’re searching for a one-off vintage piece or a thoughtfully crafted home accessory, you’ll leave feeling inspired – and perhaps with something wonderful you never knew you needed.
RE
Bishops Yard
Main Street
Corbridge
Northumberland, NE45 5LA
Tel 01434 634567
Email: info@re-foundobjects.com
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I love Re, and have looked at it longingly from afar for years. Such a pity postage to Australia is so nuts, I would be shop, shop, shopping there if it wasn't! I don't think there is anything quite like it here :(
I always find something lovely in RE. One of my.best finds was a 5 foot by 5 foot granny square blanket, at a bargain price. It's an easy place to stock up on birthday presents for your girlfriends too!